Michael Carrick has three games to save his United job as Iraola links intensify – opinion

Manchester United’s defeat to Leeds United on Monday night was not the end of the world as far as their pursuit of Champions League football goes, but it was a blow. The Red Devils are on a poor run of form. Two defeats in four matches have dragged them back into a race they do not want to be a part of. The next three games will tell their own story. Michael Carrick will have to rally his men, but there are those who are beginning to develop concerns about the former United midfielder. Some have questioned his in-game adaptability, while others have raised questions of his tactical suitability to get United back to the top. Andoni Iraola’s name and his decision to leave Bournemouth have thrown a potential curveball for INEOS. Reports have suggested United were ready to give Carrick the job recently, but Iraola’s decision to leave the Cherries may have changed those plans. Three-game audition for the job Carrick has performed admirably since taking over from Ruben Amorim. United have enjoyed their best run of the season, shooting up to third place. The issue is that the honeymoon period now seems to be over. Bad results are starting to rear their head, and that always raises questions.There are pros and cons to the former Middlesbrough coach taking the job. His relationship with the players is a positive one. Many of the current crop have spoken of their love for the 44-year-old. He was at the club in the past under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and understands what it means to be successful at Old Trafford. Another thing to raise in his defence is that the squad is unbalanced. A midfield overhaul is needed. New centre-backs are needed. A new left full-back is needed, and certainly a new left-winger is vital for the club. This is a squad built to play a 3-4-3, now being asked to play a 4-2-3-1. There was always going to be a teething period. Regardless of who was in the dugout. Enrique? Iraola? Carrick? The issue is, is he the best option available? Some may argue that the best option available, funnily enough, is not always the best. Iraola is a wonderful coach, but could he become another Thomas Frank situation? Luis Enrique is a name mentioned, but would he leave the world-class project he has built in Paris with PSG? Michael Carrick is not the best coach available on the market, but his suitability to United could stand for something come decision time. If he fails to get the club into the Champions League, the decision will likely be made for INEOS, but if he does, difficulties arise. Defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, followed by Brentford’s visit, could be catastrophic. A loss to Liverpool a few days later could send United into panicked raptures. The question of whether Carrick is right for the job will become clearer after these three games. It’s a make-or-break moment for the manager and the players alike. Carrick can absolutely become a Manchester United manager. There are more suitable choices tactically and in terms of credentials, but sometimes the obvious choice is not always the right choice. Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social