Manchester United’s players will return to training at Carrington on Tuesday – but it is still uncertain whether Michael Carrick will be in charge.
United boss Carrick was at Carrington on Monday to watch the club’s U21s play Hull behind closed doors.
The first-team players had a day off scheduled, but Omar Berrada, the chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, the director of football, also met at the training base, with their talks focused on the next steps to follow. Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
It remains to be seen what United’s hierarchy, which includes part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will decide.
United’s defeat to Bournemouth saw Carrick drop captain Bruno Fernandes to the bench after he questioned his tactics after 4-1 defeat in the Champions League by Como. He extended United’s winless run to eight games in all competitions.
Carrick has overseen United’s worst start to a Premier League season. They are 16th place in the tablewith seven points from their seven games, and just one point away from the relegation zone.
Carrick was initially appointed as United manager in January 2026 on a contract until the end of the season, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier that season. He produced a brilliant run of results, winning 12 of 17 games to claim third place in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.
Carrick was nominated for Premier League manager of the season and, in May, signed a new contract until 2028.
How a ‘strange day’ unfolded in Carrington
Sky Sports News’ Daniel Khan:
“It’s been quite a strange, strange day at Carrington. This morning, we saw director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada arrive quite early. Several players were receiving treatment for injuries. Captain Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Sesko were all in.
“Michael Carrick arrived just before 2pm. We understand he was here to watch the U21s game against Hull City.
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Sky Sports’ Dave Reed looks at Michael Carrick’s potential replacements if he leaves Manchester United
“It presents quite an awkward picture. On one side of the car park at Carrington you have the academy building, where Carrick would have watched the U21 game, while on the other side you have Wilcox and Berrada discussing his future and what the future of Man Utd is, what the next steps are potentially in the coaching position.
“As far as we know, there was no conversation between Carrick and Wilcox. It’s quite difficult when you look at the time frame because the game will have finished around 4pm.
“We saw Wilcox leave Carrington around 4.30pm. We understand Carrick left around 4.45pm. Would there have been talks today? It remains to be seen.
“Carrick’s future remains in serious doubt and there is no more clarity on whether he will continue or not.”
Why hasn’t there been swift action on Carrick’s future
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After their humiliating defeat at home to Bournemouth, Gary Neville opened up about the Manchester United players for their recent performances.
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett:
“I thought this was going to happen very quickly. The fact that it hasn’t makes me think one of two things is happening.
“It’s probably more likely that Man Utd bosses will take their time to consider who they want as a replacement. The worst-case scenario for Man Utd would be if they sacked Michael Carrick and the person they went for didn’t want the job, or they couldn’t agree a deal with them and they were left in limbo for a few weeks, maybe.
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Michael Carrick was applauded off the Old Trafford pitch after the defeat by Bournemouth – but the same could not be said for Manchester United’s players.
“We know this happens in football all the time – clubs try to get a replacement before they get rid of the current manager.
“The second thing is that they are very aware – and it was made clear to them at Old Trafford – how popular Michael Carrick is with the Man Utd supporters.
“The same thing happened with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021 – he gave the most incredible exit video despite being sacked by Man Utd.
“The club wanted to make sure it ended amicably. I think the Man Utd board are thinking the same thing here. There may not be a video of Carrick leaving, but they want it to be done with humanity and respect.
“If they don’t, the backlash from supporters could be even stronger.”
