“You have to make rational decisions” – Erik ten Hag offers advice to Man United on sacking Carrick

According to a report by The Athletic on Tuesday October 20, 2026, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club to resist calls to sack Michael Carrick despite the team’s disappointing run of results.

United have reportedly gone six consecutive matches without a victory across all competitions, suffering three defeats during that period. Their reported 13th-place position in the Premier League has increased pressure on Carrick, who is facing growing scrutiny over his ability to turn the situation around.

However, Ten Hag believes dismissing the Englishman would not solve the club’s underlying problems. Instead, he has called on United’s leadership to demonstrate patience, establish a clear footballing identity and provide the right structure for the manager to succeed.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Ten Hag said: “It is not the solution to dismiss him. 100 per cent not. Fans will demand this if results don’t improve — it is coming out from the stomach, from the emotion. You have to make rational decisions.”

The Dutchman also praised Carrick’s coaching abilities, pointing to his work at Middlesbrough and his previous experience at Manchester United. He believes the club should allow Carrick to continue implementing his ideas rather than making another managerial change.

Ten Hag emphasised the importance of having competent leadership, a clear strategy, quality staff and the right working environment, arguing that rebuilding a struggling club requires time and consistency.

Carrick reportedly signed a two-year contract as United’s permanent manager in May after an encouraging interim spell following Ruben Amorim’s departure. However, the team’s recent struggles have placed his position under increasing pressure.

Despite his own departure from Old Trafford, Ten Hag insists he still wants to see United return to their former heights. He described the club’s supporters as an amazing fanbase and expressed his desire to see the Red Devils become successful again.

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