Man Utd Round-Up, Friday 23rd October: Carrick's Defiant Press Conference Overshadowed by Manager Search as Fernandes Captaincy in Doubt
Michael Carrick is under serious pressure heading into Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with his position under scrutiny after recent results (Manchester Evening News) (BBC Sport). The United boss opened his press conference with an unprompted monologue lasting around five and a half minutes before taking any questions, surprising reporters in the room (TeamTalk) (talkSPORT) (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News). In it, Carrick spoke of wanting 'humility' and 'resilience' at the club, referenced Ryan Giggs and talked about 'respect', while insisting there is a resilience about the football club that will see it through the tough run (TeamTalk) (BBC Sport) (The Guardian). He also used a memorable analogy about holding a brolly to keep everyone dry during the storm (The Guardian). Carrick was defiant when discussing his own future, insisting there is no divide in the dressing room and backing himself to turn things around despite the uncertainty (Sky Sports) (Manchester Evening News).
A major talking point was the fallout from skipper Bruno Fernandes appearing to question Carrick's tactical approach during the defeat in northern Italy (TeamTalk) (Evening Standard) (Manchester Evening News). Asked directly whether he would consider stripping Fernandes of the captaincy, Carrick refused to rule it out, saying he will 'do what's best for the club' (BBC Sport) (BBC Sport). BBC Sport and The Guardian both examined whether Carrick should leave his captain out of the side altogether for the Bournemouth game (BBC Sport) (The Guardian). Despite the speculation, Fernandes is still expected to start as usual against the Cherries (Evening Standard).
On the managerial merry-go-round, a host of names continue to be strongly linked as potential successors should Carrick lose his job. The Guardian reports that Eddie Howe is currently Jason Wilcox's preferred candidate, with Howe said to be ready to seriously consider the role if offered (The Guardian), while another report claims Howe has been urged to 'jump' at the job (Manchester Evening News). Manchester Evening News report that Wilcox 'prefers' four other bosses to Julian Nagelsmann, who could end up further down the list than expected (Manchester Evening News), with further claims that Nagelsmann and United have been warned off a move for other reasons (Manchester Evening News). Elsewhere, Unai Emery has reportedly been 'placed in top two' to replace Carrick, though United are said to face a £12m issue in pursuing him (Manchester Evening News). Antonio Conte and Fabian Hürzeler have both moved to distance themselves from the vacancy, with Conte dismissing talk of advanced talks as 'unfounded' (ESPN) (BBC Sport), though Manchester Evening News report that two 'demands' from Conte have emerged regardless (Manchester Evening News). The Evening Standard also note that potential replacements have 'voiced concerns' about the job, with United reportedly needing to break an 'unbreakable relationship' to land a world-class manager (Evening Standard) (Manchester Evening News).
On the injury front, Carrick is expected to be without a number of key players for the Bournemouth game, including fresh updates on Sesko, Mainoo and Rashford's return dates (Manchester Evening News). Away from team news, Manchester Evening News report that coaching staff have 'singled out' Amad Diallo's positive behaviour amid the club's wider struggles (Manchester Evening News). There was also unsettling news for former United goalkeeper Andre Onana, reportedly rushed to hospital after a high-speed car crash, as confirmed by Trabzonspor's president (Manchester Evening News).
In other club news, Manchester United have given fans the chance to have their say on the design of the proposed new 100,000-seater Old Trafford stadium (ManUtd.com) (Manchester Evening News). Former director of football John Murtough has completed a return to English football, joining Birmingham City, and said he is 'incredibly excited' about the move (BBC Sport) (Manchester Evening News). Jadon Sancho, who left United as a free agent in the summer after failed moves to Aston Villa and Chelsea, has reportedly been offered a new contract on a big wage cut (Manchester Evening News).
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