Stefan Borson reveals how much Michael Carrick sacking will cost Man United

Manchester United are unlikely to sack Michael Carrick so soon into his contract due to the associated costs.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Red Devils simply don't have the money available to hire a replacement.

Supporters were adamant that Carrick was the right figure to lead the club forward last season after leading them to a third-place Premier League finish.

Champions League qualification was surely a huge driver behind the decision to hire him permanently, but the 2026-27 campaign has not gotten off to the greatest of starts.

Man United have fallen to 13th in the Premier League table, losing to the 10 men of Man City last weekend, while also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup despite taking a two-goal lead against Brighton.

Carrick has now emerged as one of the favourites to be sacked in England's top flight, but Borson does not believe that his doom is inevitable.

Michael Carrick is under pressure, but Man United 'can't afford' to sack him

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has estimated the full cost of sacking and replacing Carrick could cost upwards of £20million.

"It's got to be unlikely, partly because you're getting into, what does it cost? It's £5m-£10m [sack him], and £5m-£10m to bring in a replacement," he said.

"The reality is Manchester United are still operating under a form of austerity. That's their plan at the moment.

"Now, they need to do that because they don't have the cash available. Are they going to want to add £15m, £20m of cost to switch managers? Seems unlikely, right?

"But, and the big but here, is results will dictate. And they'll come under pressure. The pressure is already starting. Manchester United does have a certain pressure.

"I wouldn't say it's unique, but it's a pressure that is more intense, I think, than most teams."

Who is tipped to replace the Man United manager?

Some fans at Old Trafford are already turning on the manager, who has experienced a very tricky start to the 2026-27 campaign.

The summer transfer window was certainly an underwhelming one, and may be contributing to the team's struggles on the pitch.

While Carrick is unlikely to be relieved of his duties just yet, a queue appears to be forming of managers who could take his job in the future.

According to one major bookmaker, Eddie Howe is the favourite to take over, with Thomas Tuchel in second, and Julen Lopetegui, interestingly, the next most likely.