Neville says managers can need sacking as Manchester United keep Carrick

Manchester United will keep Michael Carrick in charge for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, AFP reported on 29 October. Former United captain Gary Neville said managers can sometimes need to be sacked ‘for their own good’ as the club faces a run of eight games without a win.

Neville said on the Stick to Football podcast that he reckoned United’s hierarchy debated Carrick’s future in the 24 hours after the Bournemouth loss. ‘I don’t know this,’ he said, making clear that his account of those discussions was a guess. The club’s decision for now is that Carrick will lead the team against Chelsea, BBC Sport reported.

Why Carrick’s position is under scrutiny

There was also tension after United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como. BBC Sport reported that captain Bruno Fernandes criticised Carrick’s tactics, was dropped for the Bournemouth game and later held talks with the manager to clear the air. After the Bournemouth loss, supporters sang Carrick’s name as he applauded them, then booed the players once he had gone down the tunnel, the BBC reported.

Carrick, 45, received a two-year deal in May after United finished third in the Premier League and returned to the Champions League, AFP reported. The results this season have put that appointment under scrutiny within months. BBC Sport reported that United’s hierarchy had explored replacing him, with former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann under consideration.

Neville draws on his Valencia dismissal

Neville recalled his own departure as Valencia manager when explaining why he believes dismissal can help someone struggling in the job. ‘I needed sacking at Valencia,’ he said. ‘I was happy that they put me out of my misery.’ His comments were reported by AFP and BBC Sport; they are Neville’s assessment of Carrick’s situation, while Carrick remains in charge for the Chelsea fixture.