Jamie Carragher Argues Sacking Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick Now Would Be Ludicrous

Manchester United have made a poor start under Michael Carrick, with one win in five league games, sitting 12th in the Premier League and having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton. Reports say the squad and club board remain behind him, with no immediate plans to sack him or approach replacements. Jamie Carragher has argued that dismissing Carrick now would be “ludicrous” and that he should be given the season to steady the club and pursue Champions League qualification. Carragher does not see him as United’s long-term manager and has suggested the club consider a top-level successor at the end of the campaign.
United have yet to make regular use of summer signing Carlos Baleba, who joined for up to £70 million: he was an unused substitute on his return from injury against Fulham. The club hopes he can strengthen the defence, which has kept one clean sheet and conceded 11 goals this season.
Carragher said Carrick’s earlier spell helped United return to the Champions League, bringing the club revenue, and argued that securing Champions League football again should be the immediate priority rather than expecting a title challenge.
Gary Neville had also criticised United’s performance in the 1-1 draw at Fulham, describing the players’ effort as “disgraceful” while directing more of his criticism at the squad than at Carrick.
Carragher’s comments followed a Telegraph column in which he wrote that Carrick “would never have been approached by another elite club” given his credentials—remarks that prompted backlash from United supporters.
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