INEOS' stance on sacking Michael Carrick emerges after nightmare start to season
INEOS’ reported true stance on sacking Michael Carrick has emerged after Manchester United’s poor start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite guiding United to third place last term, the early stages of the current campaign have been tough for Carrick, as his side sit 13th in the top flight, having won one, drawn one and lost two of their opening four games.
Carrick’s problems were compounded by the 3-2 Carabao Cup third-round defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, which provoked an angry reaction from supporters inside the stadium, with some even questioning his position.
However, as reported by TeamTalk, Carrick has the full backing of United director of football Jason Wilcox, who wants the Englishman to remain in his position.
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INEOS also reportedly have ‘no plan’ to relieve Carrick of his duties, with a source telling TeamTalk: “The club firmly believe they have a very good young head coach in Michael Carrick.
“There will be no knee-jerk reactions here.
“Things have not gone for Michael and the team in many ways thus far.
“Two wonder goals at Everton prevented the win, in a game they should have won.
“Sunday’s game against Man City was decided by a goal that even the Premier League have since confirmed should not have stood.”
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell also claimed that there is no indication that United are looking at ‘coaching contingencies’, despite the recent scrutiny of both Carrick and the wider football department.
United return to action away at Fulham on September 20 and will look to end a run of two defeats, having lost to Manchester City and Brighton over the past week.
Carrick is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 after penning a two-year contract to become permanent head coach in the summer.
Michael Carrick slams speculation over Man Utd future
Carrick addressed the speculation during Friday’s press conference, claiming he expects his side’s fortunes to improve despite losing three of their first six games this term.
“I think it will be a lot longer than one or two games of results. Taking away all that, It’s irrelevant for me, I know the club, I know the role, I know what’s expected here in terms of playing at a certain standard. I get all that,” Carrick said.
“In terms of future and ownership and how long I’ve got, it’s totally nothing, it’s ridiculous to think that way in the position I’m in, it’s just not on the radar. I understand the things we need to achieve and where we are as a football club.
“It’s two or three games we haven’t had certain results. Two or three games too many because I hate losing but that doesn't mean the world caves in. We’ve got to perform and we’ve got a lot of games to plan for. That is exactly what we are doing.”
On taking ownership of the poor run of form, he added: "That’s why I’m here. It’s my responsibility, I’m fine with that. It’s not a blame game. We always search for things to look at and find the blame, sometimes it gets too much.
"Blame me, it’s no problem, I'll take the responsibility, but it’s not about blaming people. It’s about finding solutions. It’s a whole collective thing. It’s about what you focus on really. I’m totally happy taking responsibility. No problem with that, it doesn't bother me. I know where we want to go and we want to get there fast."
Topics: Michael Carrick, Premier League, Football News
Luke Davies