Michael Carrick was just the latest fall guy for Manchester United's dysfunctional hierarchy

Analysis of Manchester United's managerial chaos following Carrick's sacking, examining systemic dysfunction in the club's hierarchy since Ferguson's retirement.

Michael Carrick's sacking is the latest symptom of Manchester United's dysfunctional decision-making structure. The article traces how conflicting visions between director of football Jason Wilcox and his predecessor Dan Ashworth led to contradictory managerial appointments, with Eddie Howe initially favoured by Ashworth to replace Erik ten Hag, only for Wilcox to push Ruben Amorim instead.

Ashworth departed five months after joining, and Wilcox later recommended Howe as Carrick's successor—nearly two years after rejecting him.

The piece argues that while Carrick inherited a treacherous situation, he lacked the streetwise management skills to navigate it effectively. José Mourinho, a previous United manager, demonstrated how to work around executive interference, winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League despite similar dysfunction under Ed Woodward.

Carrick's final weeks were undermined by player dissent: Lisandro Martínez criticised recruitment after a 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid, and Bruno Fernandes questioned tactics following a 4-1 defeat at Como. These incidents reflected a chaotic dressing room that contributed to United's poor form—two wins from 12 games, eight points from ten league matches, and relegation-zone positioning.