Sir Alex Ferguson’s former long-serving assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, has openly declared that ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick would be the “obvious choice” to succeed current manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Amorim, who stepped into the Manchester United managerial role last November following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, has endured a difficult tenure. Despite taking over when the Red Devils were struggling in 14th position in the Premier League, United’s performances worsened under his leadership, ending the campaign in an even more disappointing spot. The Portuguese tactician now finds himself under immense pressure, with reports indicating his position could be under serious threat before Christmas if results don’t improve. Meulensteen, who worked closely under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, believes the club may have no choice but to take swift action should the downward trajectory continue. Speaking to BetVictor, he stressed that Amorim’s rigidity and lack of improvement could push United to make a decisive managerial change sooner rather than later. “Could Ruben Amorim be gone before Christmas? Absolutely, he could well be,” Meulensteen stated. “If he continues being stubborn, and results don’t pick up, then there’s no other option but for Manchester United to act. How long can you keep moving in the wrong direction? Yes, they managed a last-minute penalty against Burnley to snatch a win, but without that, they would still be searching for victories.” The former coach highlighted United’s upcoming difficult fixtures, warning that the pressure will only mount further if performances remain poor. According to Meulensteen, Michael Carrick, who currently manages Middlesbrough, possesses the right qualities and intimate knowledge of the club to stabilize Manchester United if Amorim is shown the exit. “Carrick still knows several players who were at the club during his time, giving him valuable inside knowledge. He understands the culture, the demands, and what’s expected at Manchester United,” he explained. “It’s not magic—it’s common sense. Carrick has plenty of that, and I believe he could make United fantastic again.” The possibility of a managerial shake-up looms large, with supporters and pundits alike debating whether Amorim has the tactical flexibility and resilience required to lead the Red Devils through their current crisis.
Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim, has shared the real reason behind his decision not to include star striker Benjamin Sesko among the early penalty takers during their Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek. The Red Devils suffered a shocking defeat to the League Two side after a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout loss on Wednesday, which knocked them out of the competition. Despite being signed for a massive £66 million transfer fee, Sesko was only seen stepping up during the 11th spot-kick, which raised eyebrows among fans and pundits. One of the strongest criticisms came from Gabriel Agbonlahor, a former Aston Villa forward, who harshly described the Slovenian striker as a “coward.” According to him, a forward of Sesko’s quality and price tag should not have avoided taking responsibility earlier in the shootout, especially in a game of such magnitude against a lower-league side. However, Amorim cleared the air in his post-match reaction after United’s weekend victory over Burnley. Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician explained that Sesko had to be kept out of the first set of penalty takers due to physical limitations. “He ended the Grimsby game with cramps and was really at the limit. That’s why we protected Ben from the penalties,” Amorim stated. Following that disappointment, Manchester United bounced back strongly on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 win against Burnley at Old Trafford. The victory not only marked their first league win of the season but also gave Amorim his 7th win since taking charge of the Red Devils in 2024. This decision highlights Amorim’s man-management style, prioritizing the fitness and confidence of his key players even during tense situations. While fans may question his choices, the manager’s explanation shows that protecting a player’s health sometimes outweighs public perception.
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Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly delivered a firm message to the club — allow him to secure a transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea or risk having him sit out competitive football for up to a year. The 20-year-old Argentine is currently one of five players placed in United’s so-called “bomb squad”, a group of stars no longer in the plans of new manager Ruben Amorim. Garnacho’s decision to seek an exit is said to stem from growing frustration over his reduced role in the squad, particularly after being benched during a crucial match. Sources claim that the winger’s discontent began intensifying in May, when Amorim instructed him to find a new club following a disagreement over his starting position in the Europa League final. Garnacho was reportedly unhappy with being named as a substitute, which ultimately pushed him to explore opportunities away from Old Trafford. Initially, Manchester United valued Garnacho at £70 million, but in a bid to accelerate a sale, the club has now lowered their asking price to £50 million. This move appears to open the door for Chelsea, who have shown significant interest in adding the versatile attacker to their roster. According to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Garnacho has made it clear to United’s management that Chelsea is his preferred destination. Furthermore, he has allegedly warned that if a deal is not struck, he is prepared to remain inactive for the next six to twelve months rather than play for the club. Garnacho’s time at Old Trafford has been productive in terms of personal stats. Since making his senior debut, he has registered 144 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists across all competitions. Despite these contributions, the breakdown in his relationship with the management has brought his United career to a potential early end. Whether United will allow such a high-profile transfer to a direct league rival remains to be seen, but the situation has now reached a critical point. With the transfer window still open, negotiations could take an unexpected turn — and fans of both clubs are closely watching the unfolding drama.
