Neville brands Carrick a 'dead man walking' and blames Man Utd chiefs after Bournemouth thrashing

Gary Neville declared Michael Carrick a “dead man walking” following Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, predicting the manager would be dismissed within 24 hours — but directing much of his anger at the club’s leadership above him.

The result dropped United to 16th place in the Premier League, their worst start to a season since 1986/87. Carrick, appointed permanent manager in the summer, has overseen just two wins from eight league games, accumulating seven points in a campaign that has rapidly unravelled.

Neville, on co-commentary for the match, turned his fire on technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, both of whom were present at Old Trafford to watch the defeat unfold.

“Jason Wilcox shouldn’t be in the position,” Neville said. “He’s a technical director who has had an academy director background, making the journey up beneath a sporting director and all of a sudden he’s making the biggest decisions at one of the biggest football clubs in the world. He’s been thrust into a position ahead of his time.”

Neville was equally pointed about Berrada. “Omar Berrada is someone who has not been in a CEO position before in a football club. There’s a lack of experience generally in the roles they’ve got and it’s all coming home to roost again.”

On Carrick’s immediate future, Neville left little room for ambiguity. “They’re probably going to sack him in the next two hours, 12 hours, 24 hours. The rumours coming out on Thursday or Friday were that Wilcox and [Christopher] Vivell are torn over whether it’ll be Eddie Howe or Julian Nagelsmann and they’ve spoken to these two managers. So Michael Carrick’s a dead man walking already.”

Neville also referenced Carrick’s pre-match press conference as a telling sign, describing it as “effectively just the club history, the players who’ve played for the club, the managers who have represented the club — that’s the end.”

Carrick, 45, appeared emotional as he applauded supporters leaving the pitch, having been backed from the stands despite the result. In his post-match interview, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation without confirming his position was safe.

“It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it,” Carrick said. “But what it looks like and what’s next, I really don’t know. I will always do what’s best for this club.”

When asked directly whether he expected to be sacked on Sunday night, Carrick replied he was “not expecting anything”, leaving his future conspicuously unresolved.