Michael Carrick has three games to save his Man United job

Another thing to raise in his defence is that the squad is unbalanced. A midfield overhaul is needed. New centre-backs are needed. A new left full-back is needed, and certainly a new left-winger is vital for the club. This is a squad built to play a 3-4-3, now being asked to play a 4-2-3-1. There was always going to be a teething period. Regardless of who was in the dugout.

Enrique? Iraola? Carrick?

The issue is, is he the best option available? Some may argue that the best option available, funnily enough, is not always the best. Iraola is a wonderful coach, but could he become another Thomas Frank situation?

Luis Enrique is a name mentioned, but would he leave the world-class project he has built in Paris with PSG? Michael Carrick is not the best coach available on the market, but his suitability to United could stand for something come decision time. If he fails to get the club into the Champions League, the decision will likely be made for INEOS, but if he does, difficulties arise.

Defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, followed by Brentford’s visit, could be catastrophic. A loss to Liverpool a few days later could send United into panicked raptures.

The question of whether Carrick is right for the job will become clearer after these three games. It’s a make-or-break moment for the manager and the players alike. Carrick can absolutely become a Manchester United manager. There are more suitable choices tactically and in terms of credentials, but sometimes the obvious choice is not always the right choice.

Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social