Man United legend blasted for Michael Carrick claim after sack news emerges

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been slammed for "causing problems" with regard to Michael Carrick's position at Old Trafford.

This comes after the former midfielder claimed that Carrick had told him he was not interested in a return to management as it was "not for him" after leaving Middlesbrough.

After what has been a slow start to the season for the Red Devils, with just two wins from their opening seven Premier League games so far, the boss is now facing mounting pressure.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Butt's comments would have no impact on Carrick’s position, but have come as a surprise.

The boss has since hit back at the claim, insisting he is loving his time at Old Trafford and will continue to work hard to turn their recent run of form around.

However, with speculation swirling with regard to Carrick’s future in the hot seat, his former teammate has done him no favours with his latest public commentary.

Could Michael Carrick be sacked by Man United?

Brown told Football Insider last week that there are currently no plans in place for Carrick to lose his job, and the manager retains the backing of the board as things stand.

A 1-1 draw against Leeds United last time out has done little to ease the calls for the boss' head, but in isolation can be seen as a positive result.

Regardless of the level of performance, though, there is a growing feeling that Carrick's side must start winning games, and noise from the outside has not helped his situation.

"I was surprised to hear what Nicky Butt has said about Michael Carrick, to be honest," Brown told Football Insider.

"I've always liked Nicky, but this is the problem with these podcasts, people are always looking for something to say and coming out with this stuff means there will be a reaction.

"It's a dream for the media, who obviously asked Carrick about it and he has said he's not concerned and he's enjoying his time at Man United.

"From the club's perspective, it won't have any impact, but it's not helpful to be piling the pressure on the manager when he and everybody else knows results haven't been good enough.

"It was a pointless comment and only served to make more issues and annoy the fans, it won't have any bearing on whether or not Carrick stays in his position.

"The only thing that can impact that is the results on the pitch, and he will know that will have to improve quickly."

Who could come in to replace Carrick?

Speculation surrounding Carrick's position at Old Trafford has led to questions being asked about his potential replacements, with a number of big-name bosses in line.

Antonio Conte has been the name most commonly mentioned, with the former Chelsea boss currently out of work after he left his position at Napoli in the summer.

However, Brown warned Football Insider that Conte is unlikely to be the man chosen to replace Carrick if a change is made given concerns that his best years are behind him.

The 57-year-old has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons after making a public declaration of his plans to return to management, with the Old Trafford job in his sights.

Despite that, the club are likely to consider other options, with his spell at Tottenham having been mentioned amid ongoing concerns behind the scenes.