Recruitment is under scrutiny after £155m was spent on three midfielders while other positions were neglected.
T here was a mix of boos and apathy as Manchester United slumped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday in their latest depressing act in domestic cup competitions. A solemn Michael Carrick and his players were the target for the jeers. The director of football, Jason Wilcox, looked unamused on his way out of the directors’ box but he and the hierarchy need to accept responsibility for their actions.
Carrick and his charges are the face of the club, the ones put up to speak with journalists and sent to promote the wares of sponsors.
Carrick returned to United in January, but others have overseen the long-term strategy, within which the head coach sits. Pressure comes with his job, though, and a loss at Fulham on Sunday would increase it.
United’s fanbase is aware of those running the club, with regular protests against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United being two goals ahead against Brighton after 10 minutes and deservedly losing a game they were barely involved in for the remaining 80 is a strong indication things are not right within the team but Carrick knows this.
Carrick and Wilcox cannot be analysed until the most expensive of the three summer buys, Carlos Baleba, is available because his attributes should solve the lack of mobility.
On 30 October 2025, after three consecutive wins, he discussed the long-term plan, which was halted by sacking Ruben Amorim just over two months later.