Michael Carrick has been 'set up to fail' by Man United chiefs - 'He is not happy'

Michael Carrick is unhappy with the Manchester United board amid suggestions he was set up to fail after a difficult summer window.

The boss has endured a difficult start to life as the permanent manager at Old Trafford, with just one win from his opening five Premier League games, and a defeat in the League Cup.

However, there is a growing belief that the board is more to blame than the manager, with a lack of investment and clear strategy the route of their early-season struggles.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there are still "glaring holes" in Carrick's squad, and the boss has been "set up to fail" by the board.

Defensive frailties and a lack of consistency up front have underlined their recent poor results, while the midfield remains an issuem despite a summer overhaul.

Carrick has faced demands to improve his side's recent results, but without the full backing of the board, he is facing an uphill battle to keep his job at Old Trafford.

Could Man United sack Michael Carrick?

Brown told Football Insider on 21 September that Man United currently have no plans to sack Carrick, despite growing frustrations about their slow start to the season.

There is a feeling that the boss was not supported enough in the transfer market and there are still major weaknesses in his team which are causing problems on the pitch.

While there is a belief that results must improve or the boss could come under pressure, criticism must also be aimed at the board, with the boss left unimpressed.

"There's obviously a lot of pressure on Michael Carrick to deliver results," Brown told Football Insider.

"They've not been good enough this season, but he cannot be solely to blame for Man United's issues because the board have failed to give him the backing he needs.

"He's working with what he's got available to him and in the situation the club have placed him. Everybody knows the problems in this squad, including the club.

"When you look, their defence isn't good enough, you don't know who the striker is going to be, Mbeumo and Cunha have had poor runs of form, the midfielders aren't clicking.

"But the board haven't done enough to address those concerns, so Carrick has been set up to fail if they are expecting him to go and win trophies with this group of players.

"He is not happy either, because ultimately he will get the blame when it's not as simple as the manager doing better when he's not got the proper support from those at the top."

Who could replace Carrick at Man United?

Amid growing doubts about how long Carrick will be given to overturn a difficult run of form at Old Trafford, speculation has already begun about his potential replacement.

Brown told Football Insider on 22 September that Man United are strong admirers of Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, and could turn to him should they make a change.

The 33-year-old has led Brighton to a fantastic start to the season so far, with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening five Premier League games.

He has also led his side to a win at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, having been 2-0 down, and is receiving plenty of plaudits for the work he has done with the Seagulls.

While it remains to be seen whether Hurzeler could be tempted away from Brighton in the near future, and they do not want to lose him, clubs could explore the possibility.