- Manchester United have second thoughts over Carrick
- Leeds defeat causes concerns
- Luis Enrique and Unai Emery on INEOS radar
Manchester United have reportedly been concerned by the drop in performances from Michael Carrick’s team as of late. A 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on Monday looks to have cast major doubts over the English coach being appointed permanently.
According to David McDonnell of SPORTbible, the higher-ups were concerned by the Leeds loss. They felt there was a “lack of intensity and purpose” from the team’s display. The 24-day break was supposed to freshen up the Reds but they put in a dissapointing performance at home.
INEOS don’t want to get their next managerial appointment wrong and as such Carrick’s chances of landing the job have taken a massive stumbling block. The hierarchy is now assessing their other candidates.
Enrique and Emery on Manchester United Radar
United are admirers of Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique, who delivered the French giants their first-ever Champions League trophy last season. While he has aspirations of taking over a Premier League club, he looks likely to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is another option and other reports claim he’s open to a return to club management after this summer’s World Cup. He’d likely have the backing of Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who worked with him at RB Leipzig.
United also have Premier League managers in mind and one of them is Aston Villa’s Unai Emery. The Spanish tactician has overperformed at Villa Park, guiding them to Champions League qualification a season ago.
Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is under consideration, and the Austrian will be out of contract this summer. That’s the same situation for Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, although reports in Spain claim that Palace have tabled a “multi-million” offer for the Spaniard.
Carrick Has to Beat Chelsea
It did seem extremely certain that Carrick would be in charge at Old Trafford come next season. That was until Monday night’s calamitous defeat at home to Leeds, which means his side have now taken just four points from a possible 12.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and was tasked with trying to take the Reds back to Champions League nights. He still has his team sitting third in the Premier League, seven points above sixth-placed Chelsea.
That’s why this Saturday’s encounter with the Blues at Stamford Bridge is so important. A win helps Carrick try and fulfil the goal of a top five finish.
But a defeat could have huge consequences not only on those aspirations but also on his hopes of becoming a head coach full-time. He’s overseen seven wins, two draws and two defeats in 11 games.
