True football fans may well be thinking: is it fair that Michael Carrick carries the can for Manchester United's long-term incompetence?

He found himself in a no-win situation, and I'm not just talking about the previous six games.

He had to make a decision about Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder's blatant insubordination following the Como match. There were no good options open to the head coach, but he dropped his captain against Bournemouth.

He knew that another defeat would then leave him defenceless in the board's eyes.

On the other hand, if he had started Fernandes or even brought him on as a substitute, any respect in the dressing room would have evaporated.

I'm sure he had many thoughts the night before Sunday's capitulation, but one must have been: what is the right thing to do? The next question might have been: what would Sir Alex Ferguson have done? The answers are clear.

It doesn't matter if you're David Beckham, Jaap Stam, Cristiano Ronaldo or Bruno Fernandes, player insurrection is a flag of a deeper red than any fluttering in the Stretford End.

It didn't help Carrick but, if and when he is sacked, he will know he did the right thing not the expedient thing.

Last week, Erik ten Hag was telling the world about the shambles at Manchester United while he was there. The players he desired weren't acquired because those above him knew so much better than him, apparently.

So it would seem years of this control from above has left the club in a tailspin.

Happily, we are in a new era and fans understand that the days of the manager being nothing more than a flak catcher to cover the deeds of the real culprits above are now gone.

There's a phrase within business: responsibility without control or authority leads to failure. That's what too many football managers have to live with now. Meanwhile, control without immediate responsibility and consequences sits in the comfy boardroom seats above them.

I'm saddened for Carrick, but there is a large part of me that also thinks: 'You are probably better away from there, mate'.

Fine coaches have been made to look ridiculous under their methodology. Maybe they will finally give their next coach a decent level of control, especially regarding signings, and also some time to build.

Somehow, I doubt it though. People with power tend to grimly hold on to it.