The Manchester United supporters have been crying out for stability over the last couple of years, but INEOS could be about to send the club straight back to square one.
Michael Carrick was permanently appointed the Red Devils boss in the summer, but after just seven league games, he has found himself under pressure once again.
Such a situation would have been unthinkable given the success of last season, but the cutthroat nature of the industry has been on full show over recent weeks.
Wednesday’s defeat to Italian side Como could well spell the end of his time in charge at Old Trafford, but one player’s form has undoubtedly contributed to the recent struggle.
Why Bruno Fernandes could get Carrick sacked at United
Throughout his temporary spell as United boss, Carrick relied heavily upon the performances of Bruno Fernandes to help provide the goods in the Premier League.
The Portuguese international registered 17 goal contributions in his 17 league appearances under the 45-year-old last term, helping the Red Devils end the campaign in third position.
Such efforts allowed the 32-year-old to break the division’s single-season assist record, as the attacking midfielder managed to lay on 21 assists for his teammates.
However, Bruno has struggled to emulate such form during the current campaign, as seen by his tally of just one assist during the first seven games of 2026/27.
He’s also created fewer big chances than 65% of players in the Premier League to date, which showcases his decline in being able to offer a constant threat in forward areas.
|
Bruno’s stats analysed |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat per 90 |
2025/26 |
2026/27 so far |
|
Minutes played |
3,066 |
630 |
|
Goals |
0.26 |
0.43 |
|
Assists |
0.62 |
0.14 |
|
Goals + assists |
0.88 |
0.57 |
|
Key passes |
4.02 |
2.29 |
|
Shots |
1.61 |
1.86 |
|
Passes |
58.56 |
58.14 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82.5% |
82.3% |
|
Tackles |
1.59 |
0.86 |
|
Interceptions |
0.59 |
0.29 |
Such a drop in form has led to United’s recent struggles across all competitions, with the Red Devils now failing to win any of their last seven outings.
Undoubtedly, the poor performances are not just down to the experienced midfielder, but his lack of quality in forward areas has had an effect on the side’s chance of claiming victory.
How Carrick’s potential replacement can get Bruno firing
As a result of the recent drop-off in form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see INEOS decide to make a managerial change – even though every supporter knows where the real problem lies.
The likes of Antonio Conte have been constantly touted with the managerial job at Old Trafford over the last couple of weeks, and the defeat to Como will only strengthen rumours.
It’s been reported that the former Chelsea man would take the opportunity to manage the Red Devils with both hands, but it remains unclear if he is someone the hierarchy are keen on.
The same can’t be said about former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who has been linked with the United role on every occasion over the last couple of years.
It’s been reported by Alan Nixon that the 48-year-old would be keen on replacing Carrick at Old Trafford, but no deal is in place for a swap to take place as of yet.
It’s unclear if the Red Devils would jump at the opportunity to hire the Englishman, but they will surely acknowledge the desire of the former Magpies boss to take over in Manchester.
Any move for the experienced Premier League boss could well play into the hands of attacking midfielder Fernandes, with Howe a boss who would build his side around the Portuguese star.
Over recent weeks, Carrick has been utilising the 32-year-old in a handful of different roles, including off the left-hand side against Leeds and as a false nine against Como.
Such changes have undoubtedly had an effect on the big-money star’s performances, and certainly contributed to the club’s sharp decline in results in 2026/27.
Howe was quoted labelling Fernandes as a “fantastic player” during his time in charge of Newcastle, with the potential move to Manchester allowing him to work with the talented star.
During his time at Bournemouth, the 48-year-old utilised a number ten in his 4-2-3-1 system, something which he decided against during his time at St James’ Park.
But his experience utilising such a system could bode well for Fernandes at Old Trafford, who could be the next player to thrive in the manager’s hard-working system.
The Red Devils would be wise to appoint Howe before he gets snapped up from elsewhere, with Jamie Carragher even claiming he could be the “next England manager.”
Sacking Carrick would be a somewhat controversial decision; replacing him with Howe would be the right call and one which could allow United to have the manager they need for success.
