Carrick 'In Trouble' as Man Utd Told Who They Should Have Hired Instead

· GiveMeSport

Michael Carrick is 'in trouble' at Man Utd according to Paul Merson, and he has told the club who they should have appointed instead.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is 'in trouble' ahead of back-to-back games against Atletico Madrid and Leeds United this week, according to Paul Merson.

The Red Devils have won just two games in all competitions this season, and after being held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Tottenham this past weekend, are now winless in their last four games, leaving the manager under pressure from fans and media.

Reports in Europe have suggested that Man Utd have held talks and are reaching an agreement with former Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte as his replacement, suggesting that the club are looking at their options should things not turn around soon.

But speaking on Sky Sports News ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night, Merson admitted that he feels Carrick is 'in trouble', and that he was never convinced he was the right man for the job.

> "Michael Carrick is in trouble over the next two games. I hope he doesn't get the sack, but he's in trouble.

> "It's a nightmare week for him. I couldn't think of two worse games - and I don't think they're going to win either of them.

> "Atletico Madrid, at their ground, it's a difficult game. They're hard to beat, a very difficult team to play against and beat. They don't let it in a lot of goals. Then you go to Leeds, who's one of Man Utd's champion enemies. This is a big, big, big football match. A big rivalry. And it's one of Leeds' biggest games.

> "When they were playing well last season and he got them into the Champions League, everyone was saying: give him the job, give him the job. But what I wanted to see was how he'd react when they go three or four games without a win.

> "It's alright when you're winning every week. You're all in, you're on the crest of a wave. Ask any manager, it's easy when you're rolling.

While Carrick was given the job permanently in the summer after 12 wins from 17 games, Merson believes that United should have gone all-out to appoint someone with more experience, and named Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as the perfect option.

> "United should have gone for Unai Emery. They should have done whatever they could to get someone like him. Someone with major experience, who has been around the block. This is a hard job. Now, who else is going to come in? Eddie Howe is probably the man they'd go for. He's the only one about isn't he?"

Emery has started the season poorly with Villa after seeing the entire spine of his side ripped out during the summer window, but he is widely considered to be one of the best coaches in the Premier League.

A leading recruitment figure at one of the 'Big Six' clubs recently described the Spaniard as a 'world-class' coach , showing his standing in the game. He recently signed a new long-term contract at Villa Park until 2029, and it remains to be seen if he would be interested in leaving if the job became available again.

Man Utd need to make changes to their team against Atletico Madrid, and Michael Carrick must trust his squad in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo.

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