According to a report by TEAMtalk on October 15, 2026, Manchester United players are seriously concerned about the possibility of Michael Carrick being sacked, with Lisandro Martinez reportedly speaking out against the club’s hierarchy partly to demonstrate the dressing room’s support for the manager.

Pressure is mounting on Carrick following Manchester United’s difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign. Despite earning the permanent managerial position during the summer after guiding the Red Devils to Champions League qualification as interim manager, the Englishman is already facing questions about his future.

United have recorded just one Premier League victory so far this season, against Ipswich Town, while their recent 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid has intensified scrutiny surrounding the team’s performances and the club’s leadership.

Following the defeat in Spain on Tuesday, Martinez publicly criticised the club’s senior leadership, singling out sporting director Jason Wilcox over concerns about the players available to the manager.

The Argentine defender subsequently issued a statement on Instagram explaining his position and reaffirming his support for Carrick. According to TEAMtalk, sources close to the situation believe Martinez’s intervention also reflected wider concerns among senior players about the club’s direction and the possibility of another managerial change.

The report claims that United’s players are seriously worried that the club’s hierarchy could dismiss Carrick despite his achievements last season. The squad reportedly wants the club to demonstrate greater faith in the manager rather than make another significant change in the dugout.

Although Manchester United have publicly backed Carrick, TEAMtalk reports that players believe chief executive Omar Berrada and Wilcox are concerned about the manager’s position. The perceived uncertainty has reportedly increased tensions within the club.

Meanwhile, speculation about potential replacements has added another dimension to the situation. Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has reportedly made his availability known should the United job become vacant. Julian Nagelsmann, Fabian Hurzeler and Eddie Howe have also been mentioned as possible candidates in separate reports.

However, no managerial change has been officially announced, and the names linked with the position should not be regarded as confirmed appointments or formal offers.

Martinez’s own future at Old Trafford is also uncertain. According to TEAMtalk, the defender does not currently expect to remain at Manchester United beyond the end of the season, although he would consider extending his stay if circumstances at the club improve.

United now face an important Premier League encounter against bitter rivals Leeds United on Sunday. The match could provide Carrick with an opportunity to improve the team’s results and ease some of the pressure surrounding his position.