Managerial candidates warn United's dressing room 'out of control' as Carrick's future darkens

Manchester United’s managerial search has exposed deep concerns about the club’s dressing room culture, with sources close to several candidates warning that the squad ‘talk too much’ and that restoring order would be the first priority for any incoming head coach.

The Red Devils have won just one of their opening seven Premier League games — their worst start to a season in 40 years — and the pressure on Michael Carrick intensified further after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como in Italy. That result has accelerated discussions about a potential change in the dugout.

According to The Telegraph, a source close to one managerial candidate said: “It’s clear they need order and discipline. The dressing room is out of control and that is the first thing to fix.” A separate contact linked to another candidate echoed the sentiment, claiming the players are too vocal and insufficiently respectful of the club’s stature.

The concerns centre on two recent public outbursts. Following the loss to Atletico Madrid, Lisandro Martinez criticised technical director Jason Wilcox, stating the club had not been given a squad capable of competing across four competitions. Days later, Bruno Fernandes publicly blamed United’s tactics — and by implication Carrick — after the humbling defeat in Como.

United’s players have been accused in previous managerial cycles of contributing to the downfall of coaches, with some senior figures having served under four or more permanent managers at Old Trafford. Difficult spells have repeatedly been accompanied by allegations of players withdrawing effort.

Carrick responded defiantly at his pre-match press conference ahead of the home fixture against Bournemouth, stressing the need for hard work from his squad. But the club has already begun assessing alternatives.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann is understood to be high on United’s list of targets, with the 37-year-old reported to be open to an approach. Eddie Howe, who departed Newcastle in the summer and initially sought time away from the game, is also held in high regard and could be tempted by the scale of the role at Old Trafford.