United board hold crisis talks after 3-0 Old Trafford loss as Wilcox targets Eddie Howe
Manchester United’s board held crisis talks about manager Michael Carrick’s future after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, with director of football Jason Wilcox identifying Eddie Howe as his top candidate should the club opt for a change. Carrick insisted he was not expecting to be removed from his post but club executives were actively considering that option.
Carrick’s position came under fresh scrutiny after Bournemouth’s Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson scored in Marco Rose’s side’s 3-0 win, United’s sixth defeat in 12 matches in all competitions. The club have managed only one league win this season and sit 16th; their last victory came on 10 September against Sabah in the Champions League. Carrick was defiant after the defeat but acknowledged the difficulty of the situation.
Wilcox’s preference for Howe stems from the former Newcastle manager’s Premier League experience, placing him ahead of other potential candidates. Unai Emery is another admired candidate, but the club would likely face a compensation bill of around £20m to sign him from Aston Villa. Julian Nagelsmann is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, United’s head of recruitment, while Antonio Conte is also said to be under consideration.
Carrick left Bruno Fernandes out of the starting lineup against Bournemouth and the captain was an unused substitute, a selection Carrick said before kick-off was made for footballing reasons rather than in response to Fernandes’ comments after the midweek Champions League loss to Como. Speaking about his team selection after the match Carrick added: “There’s always times when you’re trying to make decisions that are to change the course of play and made a difference, but those are the decisions we made today.”
On his personal situation Carrick said: “I totally understand the situation [regarding his job],” and added: “I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. [I’m] carrying on as normal, and I love this place. I’ll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really. So that’s kind of it. I’m not expecting anything either way.
“It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it. What it looks like and what’s next I really don’t know. I will always do my best for the football club and I won’t change that now. I love what I do and I feel the responsibility – we’ll have to wait and see.” He made a point of applauding the home supporters at the end, pumping his hand to his chest as he walked past the Stretford End, while boos greeted Fernandes and other players as they left the pitch.
Harry Maguire, who captained the side in Fernandes’ absence, said the squad remained fully behind Carrick: “Coming into the team last season he turned things around and got Champions League football this season. As individuals, we’re not playing well enough. We have to look at ourselves and find something within ourselves to bring more to the team. That’s every player that I’m talking about. When things aren’t going your way you have to do the basics well.”
Wilcox’s preference for Howe could carry weight with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football policy at the club, and may be a decisive factor if United’s hierarchy proceed with a managerial change.