In the midst of a crisis, Manchester United host Bournemouth on Sunday at Old Trafford. Ivory Coast international winger Amad Diallo and Cameroon international striker Bryan Mbeumo are called upon to spark an attack that is struggling.
Michael Carrick, Manchester United’s head coach, will face the media at a press conference this Friday 23 October at 13:30 BST, ahead of the visit of Bournemouth, scheduled for Sunday 25 October at Old Trafford, the Manchester club says.
Because the numbers make grim reading for the Red Devils: only two wins in their last 11 matches in all competitions, according to LiveScore. The most recent outing did nothing to help, with a 4-1 defeat on the pitch at Como in the Champions League, the Manchester Evening News reports. In the Premier League, United have drawn their last three games against Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.
Diallo and Mbeumo on the front line
To stem the bleeding, Ivory Coast international winger Amad Diallo and Cameroon international striker Bryan Mbeumo are called upon to spark United’s attacking play, according to the club.
The stakes are all the more pressing given that captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Michael Carrick’s tactical choices after the match in Italy, according to LiveScore.
A treatment room still packed
Carrick will have to make do with a depleted squad. Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte are unavailable, according to the Manchester Evening News. There is also uncertainty over the fitness of Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven ahead of the weekend clash.
This situation limits the head coach’s rotation options.
Possible replacements under consideration
Behind the scenes, the United hierarchy are already said to be exploring possible replacements in the event of a sacking. According to LiveScore, the name of Eddie Howe is at the top of the list for Jason Wilcox, the club’s director of football. Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, for his part, would favour the profile of Julian Nagelsmann if a break were to happen.
These leads are, however, speculation reported by LiveScore. The Manchester Evening News, meanwhile, insists that Michael Carrick will be on the bench on Sunday: “MEN Sport understands Carrick will be in the dugout for this Sunday’s game, but it is a must-win for the Reds”. The local outlet therefore describes it as a game that simply has to be won.