Redknapp warns Man Utd that Carrick is 'too laid back' and was never destined to manage

Harry Redknapp has cast serious doubt over Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United, writing in his column for The Sun that he never saw the 45-year-old becoming a manager and describing him as ‘too laid back’ by nature.

The verdict lands at a damaging moment for Carrick, whose side have gone five consecutive matches without a win. The latest setback was a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, leaving United’s only victories this season against Ipswich Town and Azerbaijani side Sabah.

Redknapp, who handed Carrick his senior debut at West Ham, was careful to separate the personal from the professional. ‘I’ve known Michael since he was 12 years old at West Ham,’ he wrote. ‘I can’t say I always saw a manager in him. Michael’s always been a lovely guy from a lovely family, a really intelligent footballer who knew the game, read it, controlled matches. But he’s always been a quiet lad, too, laid-back. It’s what he is.’

Redknapp pointed to Carrick’s demeanour on the touchline as evidence, contrasting him with more animated coaches. ‘When United scored against Tottenham the other day, he wasn’t running up and down the touchline — the complete opposite to Roberto De Zerbi, kissing the ball and all that when they equalised.’

Despite the criticism, Redknapp argued that a managerial change would not significantly improve United’s standing, suggesting the squad itself is the core problem. ‘You can change Michael tomorrow and they are still not going to finish any higher than fifth or sixth this season,’ he wrote. ‘They’re nowhere near good enough to challenge for a title. That’s what Michael is dealing with. And it would be the same for anyone else, whoever they bring in.’

Carrick’s difficulties have been compounded by unrest within the squad. Defender Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised the club’s recruitment over the summer, taking aim at technical director Jason Wilcox for failing to strengthen the squad adequately. Injuries have left United stretched, with teenager Ayden Heaven forced to play out of position in Madrid, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been deployed as forwards in the absence of Benjamin Sesko.

Martínez subsequently released two statements in response to the fallout from his comments, the first of which clarified his remarks but stopped short of an apology.

Carrick now faces a pivotal Sunday trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United, with fixtures against Como, Bournemouth, and Chelsea to follow. His previous managerial stint at Middlesbrough ended in the sack after two and a half years, and the pressure at Old Trafford is mounting rapidly.