Manchester United, a powder keg

Manchester United in crisis: bottom of the Premier League, fans protesting ownership, and the club set to sack manager Michael Carrick after the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Manchester United faces one of the darkest periods in its history. The club sits in a relegation position in the Premier League while the fanbase protests against ownership, particularly targeting Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. The decision to sack manager Michael Carrick came after the chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, with an announcement expected following a meeting in Monaco where Ratcliffe resides.

The club's leadership—Ratcliffe, the Glazers, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox—believe a managerial change is necessary to ease the toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford. On Sunday, supporters filled the stadium with green and gold balloons, the colours of Newton Heath (the club's origins), in protest. The Stretford End chanted "Your funeral, not ours. Sell up."

Carrick will be replaced by one of several candidates including Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, or Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle manager who has rejected Crystal Palace's offer. Howe is reportedly keen on the challenge. This will be United's eighth managerial change since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

The new manager faces an immediate test: a trip to Liverpool's Anfield, a fixture that carries extra weight after the humiliating 7-0 defeat in 2023 under Erik ten Hag. The club also carries over £1 billion in debt and faces the urgent need to build a new stadium.