SpotlightDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 20 Aug 2026
Carrick set up to fail again as United back him poorly
Carrick faces a second season at Manchester United with a threadbare squad, just like his tough spell at Middlesbrough.
Michael Carrick
coach
Club
Manchester United
Role
Manager
Previous club
Middlesbrough
Key stat
Lost 14 senior players in one summer at Boro
What happened. Michael Carrick is entering his second season as Manchester United manager with a lack of transfer business, leaving him set up to fail, a situation he also faced at Middlesbrough.
- Carrick lost 14 senior players at Middlesbrough, including Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer.
- Boro went winless in first seven games, picking up just two points.
- Carrick remained loyal and did not criticize his bosses publicly.
“you have to stand up for yourself – there is no other way”
— Sir Alex Ferguson
Carrick's calm approach may be tested again as he navigates United's thin squad this season.
In this story
Manchester UnitedMore to read
The Guardian
Premier League 2026-27 preview No 16: Manchester United
BBC Sport
How Carrick's Man Utd are shaping up for Premier League season
GiveMeSport
Man Utd Have a New Undroppable But Carrick Still Has Big Transfer Concern
CaughtOffside
Jamie Carragher names one reason he believes Man U won’t win major trophies with Carrick as manager
