Man Utd boss Michael Carrick carrying on as Old Trafford club eyes possible replacements
Accusations of a lack of passion, desire and intensity have dogged United all season, having won just two of their matches in all competitions.
The team have also been hampered by injuries and players failing to reach the level anticipated.
While they have struggled in attack, they have also only kept a single clean sheet all season as form, results and confidence have all dipped.
Mixed into that negativity has come explosive post-match comments from experienced defender Lisandro Martinez, attacking the recruitment, and Fernandes, attacking Carrick and his tactics.
In between was the interview in the Athletic with Ten Hag when he spoke of ‘broken promises’ and a ‘toxic culture’. It all smacks of a club lacking control, discipline and a clear forward-looking strategy.
There is certainly a view from senior figures around the club that while overall recruitment can be questioned – specifically strengthening midfield in the summer at the expense of bringing in striking support for Benjamin Sesko or competition at left-back – the players have to take a significant amount of responsibility.
Whether that helps Carrick is another matter.
The proximity of United’s next Premier League game does not make immediate change straightforward, even if that was the thinking.
Following Amorim’s dismissal in January, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher took over as interim manager for two games. Fletcher subsequently returned to his role as Under-18 coach, but two of the coaches who helped him, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, stayed with the senior set-up as part of Carrick’s team.
United have a clear midweek coming up following their EFL Cup defeat by Brighton, who came back from two down to win at Old Trafford last month. That, in theory, would allow time to take stock without the immediate pressure a match can bring.
Bournemouth secured their first Premier League win under new boss Marco Rose last week. They drew 4-4 in a memorable encounter at Old Trafford last season, prior to that, they won 3-0 on both of their previous two visits.
It remains to be seen if Carrick will be in charge, and if so, how long after that.
It seems the only certainty around Manchester United just now, is the sense of uncertainty – again.
