Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as head coach, but fans are collectively furious at the owners for the club’s decline.
Carrick’s departure was confirmed on Thursday with United in the Premier League relegation zone. The club have won only once in their past 11 matches and are third-bottom, with the fewest wins (1) in the league.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) reacted by blaming the club’s ownership for the team’s struggles and called on them to accept responsibility.
“Michael Carrick’s departure marks another depressing moment for Manchester United,” MUST said in a statement. “We thank him for his service and for restoring hope during the second half of last season. His standing among supporters remains undiminished.”
The group argued that the Glazers’ ownership and Ineos’s handling of the football operation were responsible for the club’s continued decline.
“The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United’s problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager,” the statement continued.
“They lie with the ownership. The Glazers’ debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When Ineos came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but.
“It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability.”
United have already reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to take over. The current USA manager has previously worked in the Premier League with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His contract with USA contains a release clause worth about $10m (£7.5m).
Carrick’s final match was Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford. United recovered from two goals down twice to claim a point, but the result left them in the bottom three. They had also beaten Roma in the Champions League five days earlier after a dramatic comeback.
The decision to dismiss Carrick followed a review led by United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who made a recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s controlling sporting figure.
In their statement, United acknowledged Carrick’s contribution during his return to the club in January. He guided the team to third place last season after winning 12 of his 17 Premier League matches in charge.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions,” United said.
The club also praised Carrick’s conduct and commitment, describing him as a Manchester United legend whose achievements from last season would be remembered fondly.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible,” the statement concluded.
