All of the most successful sides in the Premier League over recent years have built their success on continuity and continued backing of their manager.
However, Manchester United have been the polar opposite during the last 13 years, with 11 interim and permanent managers trying to bring success back to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick is the latest to try his luck, subsequently penning a two-year deal this summer after impressing during his temporary spell in 2025/26.
Despite the demand for consistency over the last couple of years, a change of manager could well be on the cards should the club’s fortunes in the Premier League fail to change.
Why Man Utd’s start to the season is bad news for Carrick
After penning his permanent deal this month, there was a feel of excitement brewing in Manchester over the chances of success this term, but the Red Devils have once again demonstrated their struggles.
Within the first five league games of the new campaign, Carrick’s men have only claimed one victory and succumbed to two defeats against Hull City and local rivals Manchester City.
As a result, the club currently sit in 12th during the first international break, but it’s the underlying stats which demonstrate why the manager is coming under increasing pressure.
The Red Devils have registered the second-highest average of shots on target per 90, but have scored just eight times in five matches – with five goals coming in one game against Ipswich Town.
Such numbers suggest the attacking options at Old Trafford are failing to deliver the goods in front of goal – with Carrick putting most of his focus on improving the midfield department this summer.
|
Man Utd PL attacking stats (2026/27) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Total |
PL rank |
|
Goals |
8 |
5th |
|
Goals per game |
1.60 |
5th |
|
xG |
10.18 |
2nd |
|
xG per game |
2.04 |
2nd |
|
Shots |
113 |
1st |
|
Shots on target |
28 |
2nd |
Defensively, his side have been just as inept in crucial moments, with United making the fewest clearances in the division – highlighting their inability to deal with crosses into the box.
Such failures have led to embarrassing defeats this term, with Erling Haaland’s winning derby day goal coming as a result of the side’s struggles with balls into the 18-yard area.
How Man United can hire the perfect Carrick replacement
The noise around Carrick’s long-term future in Manchester continues to rumble on, which has seen Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler emerge as a possible replacement.
The German has only lost one of his five league games this campaign, subsequently leading his Seagulls side to victories over defending champions Arsenal and Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Despite being 33, he’s already gained huge admiration for his managerial style, even managing to achieve a 45% win rate during his two years at the AMEX Stadium.
However, he’s not the only option that should be on the cards to replace the current Red Devils boss, with former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe a man who deserves a return to the Premier League.
The Englishman has consistently been linked with the job at Old Trafford over recent years, and his availability as a free agent should make him an attractive target for INEOS.
The 48-year-old spent nearly six years in charge of the Magpies, and managed to achieve a 50% win rate – a win percentage higher than that of Hurzeler despite managing for a much longer period.
He’s also turned his dominance into silverware over the last few years, as he claimed Carabao Cup glory in the 2024/25 campaign and ended the Magpies’ 70-year wait for silverware. That’s a primary reason behind why Jamie Carragher has backed him to be “the next England manager.”
Such experience could prove to be vital for Manchester United in the near future, as they too look to end an unthinkable 13-year wait for a Premier League title.
Howe’s time at Newcastle saw him transform the club from relegation candidates to constant European contenders, leading to former Magpie Mike Williamson dubbing him as “top-class.”
The Red Devils have experienced their own struggles of late, as seen in 2024/25, when the club recorded their worst Premier League finish after ending the campaign in 15th position.
Howe’s experience of taking struggling clubs to the top of their game should make him the perfect fit to succeed at United and be the man to replace Carrick.
There’s no denying Hurzeler has proven to be an impressive top-flight boss, but his lack of experience in transforming struggling sides in England could be a concern.
As a result, INEOS should seriously be considering a move to appoint the 48-year-old in the months ahead – especially if Carrick is given an early send-off in the near future.