Manchester United lost a game, a defender’s patience and possibly a manager’s peace of mind in the space of one night. After a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid, Lisandro Martínez took aim at the club’s board in a stunning interview, while the Antonio Conte rumours got louder. So is Michael Carrick’s job safe? Here is what we know.
What Martínez Said
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Martínez said he expected more from “upstairs” to bring in players to compete, singling out technical director Jason Wilcox. United spent £155 million on four major signings last summer but failed to fix left-back or striker.
Martínez, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said Carrick does his best. Asked about the manager’s future, he said you keep changing managers, but what about other areas? He reportedly doubled down in a second interview.
Rooney and Carragher React
The reaction was brutal. Wayne Rooney said Martínez had gone too far, called it disrespectful to his teammates, and argued that only a captain such as Bruno Fernandes should speak, and behind closed doors.
Jamie Carragher called it awful timing. Carrick said he had not seen the interview and turned his focus to Sunday’s trip to Leeds, while Youri Tielemans declined to comment. talkSPORT reports Martínez is not the only player unhappy with the board.
Is Carrick Safe?
For now, yes. Football Insider says United have no immediate plans to sack him, and Fabrizio Romano says the club keep supporting Carrick at the moment, with no contact made with any other manager.
But the numbers are ugly. United have won just one of their first six league games, sit 12th, and have won only two of their first nine matches in all competitions. A home League Cup exit to Brighton did not help.
The Conte Rumour
Now the Conte talk. Italian reports claim the former Chelsea boss is close to an agreement with INEOS, and Calciomercato says United are seriously considering a change.
Treat this as rumour. Sources close to Conte denied he met United during the international break, and Romano says there are no concrete contacts yet, though he says Conte is ready to return.
The Sun, meanwhile, names Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler as the standout candidate, and Eddie Howe is also linked.
Three Games to Save His Job?
Journalist Nicolò Schira says Carrick has been given three games to save himself: Leeds, Como and Bournemouth. United visit Elland Road on Sunday, October 18, go to Como in the Champions League on October 21, and host Bournemouth on October 25, before a trip to Chelsea on October 31.
Man United Crisis: Key Facts
- Trigger: 2-0 loss at Atlético Madrid, October 13
- Martínez: criticised the board and Jason Wilcox
- Carrick’s backing: INEOS reportedly still supportive
- Conte: rumour only, no concrete contact
- Next game: Leeds away, Sunday, October 18
For fans searching for Carrick’s future at Manchester United, the answer for now is simple: he is still in charge, but the next three games could decide everything.
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