Man United contact ‘one of the best coaches in history’ as he decides about joining
Man United finally gave their supporters a night to enjoy against Roma, but Michael Carrick still has a battle on his hands to keep his job.
Matheus Cunha rescued Tuesday’s Champions League clash with two late goals as United scrambled from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
For a team that had gone nine matches without victory, the celebrations were understandable, yet the damage done before that comeback has left Carrick with little room for another setback.
United sit 17th in the Premier League after collecting just one win from their opening nine fixtures, and only goal difference separates them from the relegation places.
Sunday’s home meeting with Aston Villa now carries enormous weight, with the international break following straight afterwards.
|
Man United 3-2 Roma |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Total |
Man Utd |
Roma |
|
Possession |
52.4% |
47.6% |
|
Total shots |
15 |
7 |
|
Shots on target |
6 |
4 |
|
Shots off target |
5 |
2 |
|
Shots blocked |
4 |
1 |
|
Big chances missed |
1 |
0 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
30 |
8 |
|
Corners |
3 |
1 |
|
Accurate passes |
417 |
374 |
|
Passing accuracy |
82.7% |
81.7% |
|
Offsides |
1 |
2 |
|
Yellow cards |
3 |
3 |
|
Red cards |
1 |
0 |
Sky Sports reported on Thursday that Carrick retains backing within the club, although the hierarchy still have concerns about performances and consistency.
The same report said United would be unlikely to install another interim boss if they decide to sack him.
That leaves Carrick needing to turn the Roma result into something more convincing over the coming weeks.
There was plenty to admire about United’s response against the Italians. Bruno Fernandes scored a retaken penalty before Cunha struck in the 83rd and 86th minutes, and Bryan Mbeumo also hit both posts with one effort, with Roma failing to register a shot after the interval.
United had finally found some attacking rhythm, even if the finish was frantic, but there was plenty to worry about, too.
Roma were two goals ahead inside 17 minutes, while Cunha’s evening ended with a second yellow card in added time. Those lapses remain part of the picture, however loudly Old Trafford celebrated the winner.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are weighing up alternatives, with Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hürzeler among the names being talked about.
Unai Emery has also attracted admiration, but Villa’s progress towards a new contract makes that route look difficult.
Now, a separate report from France has brought another heavyweight name into the discussion.
Foot Mercato claims United have contacted Didier Deschamps in recent days as they assess possible replacements for Carrick.
However, the report, by Santi Aouna and Aurélien Léger-Moëc, suggests the former France manager is not particularly enthusiastic about taking over.
It says concerns over United’s direction and recruitment count against them, while Deschamps is happy to consider waiting until next summer before returning.
His pedigree would certainly explain why United might ask the question.
Deschamps, who has been called ‘one of the best coaches in history‘, spent 14 years leading France, winning the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League.
He also reached the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals, before finishing fourth at this summer’s tournament, with 120 victories from 185 matches in charge of Les Bleus.
His club honours include Marseille’s 2010 Ligue 1 title, three League Cups and two French Super Cups, and he also won the League Cup with Monaco and Serie B with Juventus.
That is a substantial haul for a club desperate to get back into the habit of winning, but persuading him to tackle United’s problems immediately, however, appears a much tougher task.
