Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, has warned that dismissing manager Michael Carrick will not solve the club’s ongoing problems, insisting that changes in leadership are needed to restore the team’s fortunes.
Carrick’s position has come under pressure following Manchester United’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 season, with the club winless in their last eight matches across domestic and European competitions.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have reportedly emerged as potential replacements for Carrick if the club’s hierarchy decides to make a managerial change in the coming weeks.
Should Carrick leave, he would become the seventh permanent manager to depart Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit in 2013.
During that period, the club have won two EFL Cups, one FA Cup and one UEFA Europa League title.
The club’s lack of direction has become a growing concern among supporters, with Schmeichel arguing that the problems extend beyond the manager and require significant changes at the top.
“It drives me crazy. Who are these people who sat that ‘he’s a good manager’
“We’ve tried everyone, it’s not about the managers. It’s about the leadership of the club.
“If we bring Eddie Howe in, what’s he going to do? He’s going to face exactly the same problems as Carrick with the same group of players.
“He might be able to inspire them over a short period. But, how are they going to challenge for a Premier League title?
“I don’t see there being any difference.”
Schmeichel’s comments suggest that replacing Carrick alone would not address Manchester United’s deeper issues, as he believes the club must tackle its leadership and structural problems before it can realistically challenge for the Premier League title again.
