Manchester United owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have been told to “explain themselves and show some accountability” over the sacking of manager Michael Carrick.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust issued the demand after Carrick became the third permanent boss sacked by the club in little over two years and the seventh to get the bullet since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Former United midfielder Carrick paid the price for a desperate start to the season, which left them in the relegation zone heading into the current international break, and is expected to be replaced by former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino.
“Michael Carrick’s departure marks another depressing moment for Manchester United,” said MUST. “We thank him for his service and for restoring hope during the second half of last season. His standing among supporters remains undiminished.
“The reason Manchester United fans have continued to support Michael Carrick in recent weeks is that they know that responsibility for United’s problems do not primarily rest with him or indeed his predecessors as manager.
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SUBSCRIBE HERE“They lie with the ownership. The Glazers’ debt-funded takeover continues to burden the club. When Ineos came in they promised sporting excellence, but yet with repeated changes in football leadership we have seen anything but.
“It is time for the owners to explain themselves and show some accountability.”
The sacking of former Middlesbrough boss Carrick takes the amount paid in severance fees to United managers and executives past £100m since the glorious Ferguson era.
Manchester United treatment of Carrick ‘classless’, says Neville
Ineos founder Ratcliffe invested in his boyhood club nearly three years ago, owns 29 per cent of United and has effective control over football matters.
The US-based Glazer family owns 49 per cent of stock but holds 69 per cent of voting rights. The remaining 22 per cent of shares in United, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, are owned by public and institutional investors.
Confirming Carrick’s long-anticipated departure, United said: “After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
The decision follows a meeting between ex-pat Ratcliffe and United chiefs on Wednesday, a delay branded “clumsy” and “classless” by club legend turned pundit Gary Neville.
“You can’t leave a guy hanging for 24 or 48 hours just because you live in Monaco, that can’t happen,” he said.