Manchester United have reached another critical stage in Michael Carrick’s tenure after a humiliating European defeat.
Como stunned United 4-1 in the Champions League at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Nico Paz struck inside two minutes as United made another disastrous start in Europe. Anastasios Douvikas then doubled Como’s advantage after the interval.
Paz added his second before Jacobo Ramon made it 4-0. Joshua Zirkzee eventually scored a stoppage-time consolation for United.
The defeat extended their winless run to seven matches across all competitions. United also became the first English club to concede inside two minutes in consecutive European matches.
Pressure has consequently intensified on Carrick, with questions growing over his tactics and future.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are not currently planning to sack Carrick immediately despite the damaging defeat.
Director of football Jason Wilcox continues to support the manager at this stage. However, Carrick’s next four matches could prove decisive ahead of the November international break.
United face Bournemouth this weekend in a game now viewed as crucial. Chelsea, Aston Villa and Roma then provide further difficult tests.
INEOS are prepared to support Wilcox if he eventually decides Carrick should leave. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has backed the director of football to assess the situation and make that judgement.
United also acknowledge that their summer recruitment left Carrick short in certain areas. The club wanted another forward and left-back before the transfer window closed.
Carrick retains support within the dressing room, but Como’s victory has increased scrutiny considerably. United are also aware of possible replacements should their position change.
Antonio Conte remains interested in the job, with his representatives maintaining regular contact. Eddie Howe has also emerged as another potential option.
For now, United are not actively searching for Carrick’s replacement. However, Wilcox continues to assess the situation with alternative candidates already being presented.
Carrick therefore remains in charge, but the upcoming four-match run could determine whether that support survives beyond the November international break.
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