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A weekend draw with Leeds leaves Manchester United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, heaping further pressure on head coach Michael Carrick. United remain without a win since their Champions League opener against Sabah over a month ago, having claimed just one victory from seven league fixtures.
They face Como in an early kick-off on Wednesday, before rounding off the month with league matches against Bournemouth and Chelsea. United secured four points from the equivalent matches last season, though Carrick was only at the helm for one of those occasions.
The journey to Italy has been given added intrigue following the publication of an interview with former Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was the most recent boss to deliver silverware at the club, yet he has hit out over difficulties he experienced with the club's hierarchy during his tenure.
Here, Express Sport has the latest on Ten Hag's remarks, along with details of potential successors should Carrick fail to retain his position...
Hurzeler to United update
Former England captain Alan Shearer has identified Fabian Hurzeler as the leading candidate amongst three potential replacements should United dismiss Michael Carrick. While acknowledging the shift in circumstances would be substantial, the 56-year-old has endorsed the Premier League's youngest manager to thrive.
"If Carrick is relieved of his duties, Hurzeler would be a good replacement, but it's a very different model at Brighton," Shearer told Betfair. "I guess the manager you'd also look at is Eddie Howe.
"You'd look at Antonio Conte as well, but you know, whether you like it or not, that's what happens when you're not winning football matches and when you're at one of the biggest clubs in the world so you have to accept that, and I'm pretty sure he does."
However, there is no suggestion that United have held any talks with the Brighton boss or are considering removing Carrick from his position.
Ten Hag's transfer regrets
Former United boss Ten Hag revealed that he was blocked from acquiring several elite players during his tenure at Old Trafford. Among those mentioned are England duo Declan Rice and Harry Kane, both of whom departed for significant fees in 2023, as well as Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
"I said to them [the United board], 'I want only one player - and you know who'," Ten Hag told The Athletic, referring to Kane. "I fought for it. I heard that he was very positive, but I never spoke with him about the issue,".
"I don't know how the decision process went with John [Murtough], Richard [Arnold], the Glazers. They came to the conclusion. I don't have the insights in the financials."
Regarding Rice, who ultimately departed West Ham for Arsenal in a Premier League record £100m transfer, he stated: "The issue was that West Ham didn't want to let him go. I think we could have done more to test. We were on one page, they tried, but I don't know how the process went. The point is, at United you need outstanding players."
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