Sports · Football · 12 mins ago
Neville says Carrick may need sacking as United keep him in charge
Manchester United have kept Michael Carrick as head coach despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.
The loss left United 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick had guided the team to third place last season before signing a two-year deal, but United have won only two of 12 matches this season.
Former United captain Gary Neville says managers sometimes need to be sacked for their own good, recalling that he was glad to leave Valencia when he was dismissed.
He believes United may have kept Carrick because of a lack of planning and replacement options.
Carrick’s position had also come under pressure after captain Bruno Fernandes criticised his tactics following a 4-1 defeat at Como, though the two have since spoken to clear the air.
Carrick is due to lead United against Chelsea on Saturday, with Neville hoping the players will start performing for him again.
Gary Neville said Manchester United managers sometimes need to be sacked “for their own good” as the club kept Michael Carrick in charge.
United retained Carrick after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth left the team 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick is expected to lead United against Chelsea on Saturday.
Neville said he was surprised Carrick remained in the job but hoped the players would start playing for him again.
Neville suggested United’s decision reflected a lack of planning, available options and decision-making.
- Who
- Gary Neville commented on Manchester United’s decision to keep Michael Carrick as head coach.
- What
- United kept Carrick in charge despite a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth. Neville said managers sometimes need to be sacked for their own good.
- When
- Neville’s comments were reported on 27 and 29 October 2026; Carrick was expected to lead United against Chelsea on Saturday.
- Where
- Manchester United, England.
- Why
- Neville said the club may have kept Carrick because of a lack of planning, available options and decision-making.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Carrick guided United into third place after taking over on a short-term contract following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League, and captain Bruno Fernandes criticised the team’s tactics.
United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, leaving them 16th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick took training as normal and expected to remain in charge against Chelsea.
Fernandes and Carrick held talks to clear the air.
- Manager
- Michael Carrick, aged 45
- League position
- 16th in the Premier League
- Gap to relegation zone
- One point
- Bournemouth result
- Manchester United lost 3-0 at home
- Como result
- Manchester United lost 4-1 in the Champions League
- Next match
- Chelsea, Saturday
4 sources
Michael Carrick ‘unsurprised’ by Man United decision over future as manager
Sometimes managers needs sacking for own good - Neville
Gary Neville: 'Really surprised' but 'happy' Michael Carrick set to continue as Man United boss
Manchester United: Gary Neville reacts to Michael Carrick staying in charge - 'Surprised but happy'
What people are saying
Sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good. I needed sacking at Valencia. I was happy that they put me out of my misery.
I am surprised, but I am happy because I was absolutely certain that what I witnessed on Sunday would be the end of Michael
I think staying with him is a result of the lack of planning, the lack of probably available options, the lack of decision-making around the two people that probably are available.
For me, the players need to be better, but how many different windows are you going to need to get those players in?