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Michael Carrick’s grip on the Manchester United hot seat has come under fresh scrutiny after bookmakers dramatically cut his odds of becoming the next Premier League manager to lose his job. Sources close to the club insist the 44-year-old has no immediate reason to panic, despite the mounting noise.
United entered the new campaign riding a wave of confidence built on their strong form during the second half of last season, when Carrick took interim charge. That run helped the club finish third and secure a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence, and the reward was a permanent two-year contract for Carrick.
Just months into that deal, questions are piling up. United have collected only one win from their opening five Premier League fixtures and currently sit 12th in the table.
Things got worse in the Carabao Cup, where United blew a half-time lead at home to Brighton and lost a match for the first time in over 50 years. A scrappy 1-1 draw away at Fulham before the international break did little to settle nerves around Old Trafford.
Those results have pushed bookmakers to slash Carrick’s odds of the sack. He now sits as second favourite at 5/2 to lose his job, behind only Roberto De Zerbi, and is priced at 11/10 to be dismissed before Christmas. He remains a short 2/1 to see out the full season in the dugout.
Reports in Italy have seized on the uncertainty, pushing the case for Antonio Conte to take over. The six-time title-winning coach has been out of work since leaving Napoli in the summer and is said to be open to a new challenge. Earlier reports this week claimed Conte was waiting for a call from United, and a fresh report has added weight to those claims.
Carrick Sack Claims Dismissed by Man Utd Sources
Italian outlet Calciomercato claimed on Wednesday that the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss sits at the top of United’s managerial wishlist.
“Rumours of Antonio Conte’s possible arrival at Manchester United have been confirmed, with the former Napoli manager reportedly in pole position. The Red Devils’ difficult start to the season is leading the English club to consider a change on the bench, with Carrick potentially being sacked in the near future. According to what our editorial team has gathered, Manchester United have put the Italian coach at the top of their wish list.”
Despite that report, TEAMtalk correspondent Graeme Bailey revealed earlier this week that Carrick’s position is not in serious jeopardy. Club sources told him there has been no contact with potential managerial candidates and no concerns internally over Carrick’s future.
On Sunday’s draw against Fulham, Bailey added further context on how the club viewed the result.
The result was viewed internally as an important one to avoid losing, given the pressure already surrounding the team after a difficult opening to the campaign.
Not everyone shares that measured outlook. Gary Neville branded Sunday’s draw the worst performance he has witnessed in his time following the club, and named specific players he believes are undermining the manager.
Wayne Rooney offered a different take, arguing that INEOS left Carrick in a difficult position through what he called “weak” summer recruitment. Rooney insisted the blame for United’s struggles should not fall on the manager himself.
The Conte links have sparked debate beyond just results. One argument doing the rounds suggests the United board should take the gamble and appoint the Italian outright, embracing the risk that comes with his reputation.
Read also: Manchester United Resist Pressure to Sack Michael Carrick Despite Cup Exit
Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage on the Carrick situation and every twist in United’s managerial saga.