There was a mix of boos and apathy as Manchester United slumped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday in their latest depressing act in domestic cup competitions. A solemn Michael Carrick and his players were the target for the jeers. The director of football, Jason Wilcox, looked unamused on his way out of the directors’ box but he and the hierarchy need to accept responsibility for their actions.
This is the natural course of football, where supporters know what is good or bad and give a rapid opinion to those whose wages they deem they pay. Carrick and his charges are the face of the club, the ones put up to speak with journalists and sent to promote the wares of sponsors. The head coach is often viewed as accountable for everything, from tactics to transfers, but the picture is more complex.
Carrick returned to United in January, but others have overseen the long-term strategy, within which the head coach sits. Pressure comes with his job, though, and a loss at Fulham on Sunday would significantly increase it. United’s fanbase is fully aware of those running the club, with regular protests against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
They realise not everything happening over 90 minutes is the fault of the head coach and those wearing the shirt. The boos are for the one-off performance, the apathy for the bigger picture. It is tough for United supporters to see their club, back in the Champions League, outspent in the summer by promoted sides but this is the reality after years of financial mismanagement.
It means the funds available have to be spent wisely. United being two goals ahead against Brighton after 10 minutes and deservedly losing a game they were barely involved in for the remaining 80 is a strong indication things are not right within the team but Carrick knows this. Brighton were much changed but possess an exciting array of talent acquired from all over the world thanks to clever scouting and recruitment.
They signed players from clubs in seven countries this summer, while United made four acquisitions from fellow Premier League clubs. Calculated risks and dynamism are part of the job but rarely seen at Old Trafford. It is somewhat ironic considering the most successful acquisition last summer was Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, in terms of price and consistency.
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