Bruno Fernandes axed: Man United trio should be omitted vs Bournemouth to ignite turnaround
Michael Carrick could potentially be set to lead Manchester United out for the last time against Bournemouth on Sunday, with his job on the line.
The 45-year-old is under massive pressure amid a torrid start to the season that has seen his team win just two of 11 games across all competitions.
Decision-makers at Old Trafford are already reportedly weighing up potential successors for the former midfielder, who was appointed permanently in the summer after a strong stint as an interim boss.
Carrick will hope that there is still a chance to change Man United's fortunes, but he almost certainly will need to guide his side to three points on Sunday if he is to have the opportunity.
Ahead of what may be the Englishman's swansong, Football Insider has named three players that he should axe.
Bruno Fernandes
If Carrick is to survive, it feels as if he will need one big, controversial decision to pave his way to safety.
Dropping club captain and star player Bruno Fernandes would undoubtedly fulfil the criteria for that type of call.
Yet it would be easily justifiable. The 32-year-old has been nowhere near his best this season and publicly criticised his manager's tactics after Wednesday's defeat to Como.
Dropping Fernandes to the bench would allow Carrick to go in a different direction with his attack, picking players in their positions rather than forcing the Portugal international into various spots.
Harry Maguire
There are certainly culprits more to blame than Harry Maguire for Man United's recent downfall.
Yet the centre-back has negatives that are certainly not doing Carrick's team any favours.
He is often found ball-watching and cannot always produce what is required when in possession.
Given the return of Matthias de Ligt on Wednesday, Carrick may well opt for a combination of Lisandro Martinez and the Dutchman.
Carlos Baleba
Though his Man United career has only just began, it is already not working out for Carlos Baleba.
The £70million summer signing has looked lost in his displays for the Red Devils so far, and could do without the pressure of starting.
Man United have massively missed the presence of Kobbie Mainoo in midfield of late, and Carrick will hope he is ready to return.
The manager helped reignite the youngster's Man United career, and it is only right that he attempts to return the favour.