Man Utd boardroom divided as Carrick’s future comes under threat
Manchester United are reportedly facing fresh divisions among their senior officials as uncertainty grows over manager Michael Carrick’s future following the club’s disappointing run of results.
The situation has revived memories of previous disagreements within the club’s hierarchy, with reports suggesting that tensions are extending beyond the dressing room to key figures responsible for football operations.
United’s recent struggles have also sparked public criticism from players. Lisandro Martinez questioned the club’s transfer activity following a Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, while captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly raised concerns about Carrick’s tactics after a 4-1 loss to Como.
Carrick subsequently suggested that some of his players were not working hard enough, adding to the growing tension surrounding the team.
According to the Daily Mail, a rift has emerged between director of football Jason Wilcox and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, reportedly over the choice of a potential successor should Carrick be dismissed.
The disagreement is reminiscent of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Wilcox’s predecessor, Dan Ashworth, who left United in December 2024 after just five months in the role.
Ashworth joined the club in the summer of 2024 following an impressive spell at Newcastle United. However, co-owners INEOS ended his tenure shortly after Ruben Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
The Athletic previously reported that disagreements over the process of selecting Ten Hag’s successor contributed to Ashworth’s departure.
Ashworth had reportedly played a significant role in extending Ten Hag’s contract in 2024 but was said to have had limited involvement in the decision to appoint Amorim. Chief executive Omar Berrada instead took the lead in negotiating the Portuguese manager’s appointment.
United reportedly paid £4.1m to terminate Ashworth’s contract, a decision that attracted criticism from supporters concerned about the club’s spending.
Carrick is scheduled to lead United against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, amid mounting scrutiny over his position. The report claims the club have failed to win any of their last seven matches, further intensifying speculation about a possible managerial change.
Several names have reportedly emerged as potential replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
However, the report suggests that appointing a new manager may not resolve the disagreements within United’s leadership, with further changes among senior officials also possible.
As discussions over Carrick’s future continue, attention is increasingly turning to whether United can resolve the reported divisions within their football management structure.
