Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club’s hierarchy to resist pressure to dismiss Michael Carrick, arguing that another managerial change would not address the deeper issues affecting the team. According to The Athletic on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Dutchman believes United must make decisions based on long-term planning rather than reacting emotionally to disappointing results.

United are reportedly enduring a difficult spell, having gone six consecutive matches across all competitions without a win, including three defeats. Their reported 13th-place position in the Premier League has intensified scrutiny of Carrick, with supporters increasingly concerned about the team’s performances and the manager’s ability to reverse the decline.

Despite the growing pressure, Ten Hag believes sacking Carrick would be the wrong response. He argued that frustration among supporters is understandable when results deteriorate, but insisted that club officials must remain calm and assess the situation objectively before making major decisions.

Speaking to The Athletic, Ten Hag strongly opposed the idea of dismissing the Englishman, maintaining that a change in leadership would not automatically resolve United’s wider difficulties. He urged the club to prioritise rational judgment over decisions driven by disappointment and emotion.

The former United manager also expressed confidence in Carrick’s coaching ability, highlighting his experience both at Old Trafford and during his spell in charge of Middlesbrough. In Ten Hag’s view, Carrick has demonstrated the knowledge required to manage a team, and he should be given sufficient time to establish his methods rather than face an early dismissal.

Ten Hag’s comments also focused on the importance of creating the right conditions for a manager to succeed. He argued that rebuilding a club requires more than appointing a coach and expecting immediate results. Strong leadership, a clearly defined footballing philosophy, capable staff and a supportive working environment are all essential to establishing consistency.

His position reflects a broader concern about United’s repeated managerial changes and the difficulties of building a stable sporting structure. Rather than continually replacing coaches when results decline, Ten Hag believes the club must identify a coherent direction and ensure that its leadership decisions support that plan.

Carrick reportedly signed a two-year contract to become United’s permanent manager in May after an encouraging spell as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s departure. However, the team’s recent performances have placed his appointment under renewed scrutiny, with the current winless run raising questions about whether he can restore confidence and improve results.

The pressure surrounding Carrick highlights the challenge facing United as they attempt to recover their competitive standing. Their league position and recent results have increased the urgency for improvement, but Ten Hag believes the club should avoid allowing short-term difficulties to dictate its broader strategy.

Although Ten Hag is no longer in charge at Old Trafford, he said he still wants to see the club return to success. He praised United’s supporters, describing them as an exceptional fanbase, and expressed his desire to see the Red Devils regain their place among football’s leading teams.

For now, Carrick’s future remains a subject of growing debate. Ten Hag’s message is that United’s leadership should focus on sound planning, stability and the conditions needed for improvement rather than assuming that another managerial dismissal would solve the club’s problems.