Manchester United appear to be on the verge of beginning another hunt for a new manager following last night’s humbling Champions League defeat against Como.
Michael Carrick is walking a precarious tightrope following a shambolic 4-1 thrashing which means the Red Devils have now won just two of their first 11 games of the new season in all competitions.
The sight of Carrick responding so pointedly to the stinging criticisms of his methods aimed at him by club captain Bruno Fernandes are hardly likely to aid his cause.
According to the Telegraph, Carrick still retains the support of senior figures at Old Trafford, but this weekend’s game against Bournemouth is looking increasingly pivotal to his future.
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Former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte, currently out of work following his decision to leave Napoli at the end of last season, is said to be keen on the job.
United chiefs, however, fear the famously combustible Italian ‘would not fit into the structure the club is determined to adopt’.
Julian Nagelsmann, meanwhile, also features prominently in the betting and he, like Conte, is currently without a job after he left his position as manager of the German national team after another underwhelming major tournament campaign.
Next Man Utd manager odds
Eddie Howe 9/4
Antonio Conte 5/1
Fabian Hurzeler 5/1
Julian Nagelsmann 7/1
Kieran McKenna 8/1
Cesc Fabregas 11/1
(Odds courtesy of Betfair)
The 39-year-old is keen to return to work and would be keen on the United job, if and when it were available.
Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may also come under consideration, while Unai Emery also has his admirers having restored his reputation over the course of his hightly successful Aston Villa tenure.
Carrick, however, will hope he can turn the tide and start to begin that process with a win over the Cherries this coming weekend.
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‘I’m bitterly disappointed,’ said Carrick following last night’s capitulation. ‘I’m frustrated, more than frustrated. I’m really angry, to be honest.
‘But you’ve got to move on, you’ve got to deal with what’s next and see what that looks like.
‘At this moment in time, there’s a lot to do before that next game, to get the team ready, because that was a difficult night for everyone.’