The biggest benefit of appointing Carrick has now backfired straight at the Ineos board

Ineos enjoyed the good vibes of Michael Carrick’s success. They are now finding out that supporters are reluctant to turn on a club legend.

Back in January, Ineos decided to try and get Manchester United fans onside by appointing Michael Carrick as interim manager.

The thinking was clear: After Ruben Amorim’s confusing approach tried to strip the club of it’s identity with his confusing tactics and alienating of academy star Kobbie Mainoo, the club needed to go back to basics.

In came Michael Carrick, and the instant transformation was spectacular. Days after his appointment, Carrick had masterminded a 2-0 win over City that could genuinely have been a 6-0 win, the performance so dominant.

Old Trafford was rocking, and Ineos were able to bask in the euphoria of Carrick’s impact, which continued to varying degrees right up until the end of the season.

However, with results taking a depressing and pathetic turn in 2026/27, Ineos are now slap bang in the middle of the firing line.

The double-edged sword of hiring a club legend

Managers nearly always take the hit. And while Michael Carrick may be the fall guy – there is not a lot of appetite for this from fans.

Fans won’t turn on Michael Carrick. They never will. There is too much respect for what he achieved as a player, the way he conducts himself, and the results he achieved as manager last season. There is a clear sense that the players and the board have let him down.

United fans recognise Carrick’s shortcomings. But we won’t beat him over the head with them.

Our anger is reserved for the highly-paid players who are underperforming, and the shambolic decisions made by the club’s directors and recruitment chiefs.

Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrarda have been described as out of their depth by Gary Neville, who blasted them along with the Glazers.

Neville will never turn on Carrick, his further teammate, even if he accepts the inevitable.

Hiring a club legend is great when it is going well, but Ineos are finding out that the flip side place them directly in the firing line.

That could only serve to accelerate Carrick’s departure.

If Ineos can find a divisive new coach, one who does not inspire the same total respect as Carrick, then they will soak up the pressure and take some away from themselves.