Ethan is a football journalist at Football FanCast specialising in opinion-led features, tactical analysis and Premier League coverage. A graduate of the University of Derby's Football Journalism course, he has developed experience covering multiple levels of English football, from non-league to the Premier League.  

Ethan began his career as a media assistant at Mickleover Sports and an EFL reporter for VAVEL. After graduating in 2023, he spent six months covering the Premier League for GRV Media before joining Football FanCast in February 2024.
 

Since joining the publication, Ethan has focused on producing in-depth football features, combining statistical analysis with informed opinions on players, clubs and performances. A lifelong Nottingham Forest supporter and season-ticket holder, he brings first-hand experience of matchday football and a strong understanding of the issues affecting supporters to his writi

All the anger and frustration of Manchester United supporters have come to a head in recent weeks, and understandably so given the struggles on the field.

INEOS have been the main focus of the criticism from the supporters, with Lisandro Martínez even backing up the fans in their comments about the leadership group.

However, despite the fans’ demand for change in the boardroom, they could decide to put the blame on the manager and allow someone else to lead the side forward.

What Carrick’s future holds at Manchester United

After a run of eight successive games without a win, Sunday’s loss against Bournemouth on home soil felt like the end of the road for Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

He was applauded off the field by supporters, with many feeling as though the 45-year-old has been hung out to dry by the hierarchy due to the lack of recruitment.

However, to the surprise of many supporters, it appears as though a vote of confidence has been delivered from the board and he could keep his job for the time being.

It still feels as though the manager is on borrowed time at Old Trafford, with the hierarchy said to be drawing up a list of possible alternatives should he be handed his marching orders.

The likes of Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are said to be the two main managerial targets at present, but no deal to appoint either of the pair is said to be close.

Why Bruno will be fuming about Carrick staying at United

Bruno Fernandes has been influential for Manchester United in years gone by, but none more so than during the final few months of last season under Carrick’s guidance.

The Portuguese international ended up breaking the record for the most assists in a single season, but his time working under the 45-year-old could now be in doubt.

He hit out at his decision not to press man-to-man during the defeat to Como in the Champions League, which resulted in the attacker moving to the bench against Bournemouth.

Carrick decided against bringing him on to the pitch despite his side trailing at the break, with the 32-year-old an unused substitute for the first time in recent memory.

The pair have since held talks about moving forward together at Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen how much damage has been done by the recent outburst.

Bruno himself has clearly demonstrated that he has little faith in the manager’s tactics, which could ultimately spell the end of his tenure - despite the faith shown in him by the board.

Why United flop looks totally finished at Old Trafford

The peace talks are certainly a start between the pair, but there’s no denying some other senior members of Carrick’s squad have failed to deliver throughout the recent winless run.

The manager has decided to rotate his squad in various matches to hand other players on the books at Old Trafford the chance to prove their worth and fight for a starting role.

However, the struggles on the pitch have been evident, with numerous players now looking as though their future lies elsewhere and away from Manchester.

Defender Noussair Mazraoui is a player who certainly falls into the aforementioned category given his inability to deliver the goods over the last few months.

The Moroccan international has featured seven times across all competitions so far this campaign, but only four of his appearances have come from a starting role.

The majority of his minutes have come in various cup competitions this term, with his last start coming in the hammering against Como in the Champions League.

His stats from the aforementioned meeting demonstrate his struggles across all areas of the pitch, and highlight why the club should offload the 28-year-old in the near future.

Mazraoui lost 88% of the ground duels he contested, which resulted in the 28-year-old defender being dribbled past on four separate occasions.

His inability to regain possession for the Red Devils was further evident in his tally of zero tackles won, which often saw the opposition enjoy huge success down his flank.

Even with the ball at his feet, the defender was just as ineffective, subsequently failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, leading to journalist James Ducker labelling his showing as "shambolic."

In his 143 minutes of league action throughout 2026/27, he’s also fallen way below the levels expected - as seen by his measly 46% duel success rate, which is the lowest of any defender in the squad.

Given his struggles, the United hierarchy must make the call and omit Mazraoui from the senior ranks, as it’s clear he’s no longer at the level needed to achieve success.

Bruno’s relationship may be one that is getting closer to being fixed, but the same can’t be said for the Moroccan, who could find himself close to the exit door come January.