Michael Carrick receives Man Utd sack verdict ahead of Premier League return

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Former Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe believes it’s “far too early” to sack Michael Carrick despite the club’s underwhelming start to the new season.

The Red Devils are currently 12th in the Premier League table after winning just one of their opening five fixtures this term, and Carrick’s long-term future at Old Trafford has been called into question over the international break.

The 45-year-old was appointed on a permanent basis over the summer following an impressive stint as the club’s caretaker boss, however he is now the bookies’ favourite to become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi is also under huge pressure, with the north London giants currently rock bottom of the English top flight table, but he appears to retain the faith of the Spurs board, while it remains to be seen if the same can be said about Carrick.

Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd in recent days and football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that he is ready to return to management following his Napoli exit this summer.

However, Sharpe, who made over 250 appearances during an eight-year spell at Man Utd, believes his former club should keep Carrick at the helm.

Michael Carrick sack verdict

“It is far too early to sack him. You would just be starting again with another manager who wants different players. I don’t see the point in doing that now ,” Sharpe told TEAMtalk.

“The board have to take some responsibility. Tielemans was a good price, and Baleba looks a decent acquisition, but I think Carrick, the supporters and everyone around the club would have expected another one, two or possibly three signings.

“That said, the players have started slowly and sloppily, and that needs to change. They have to play at a higher tempo and move the ball faster.”

Sharpe continued: “I would not sack Carrick now, but the period between this break and Christmas is huge.

“They have missed [Benjamin] Sesko as a focal point. Bruno [Fernandes] and [Matheus] Cunha alternating in the false-nine role has not worked particularly well. They need somebody to occupy the centre-backs and finish the chances.”