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Man United are drained of all their clout and reputation, weak off the pitch and on it, writes IAN LADYMAN. They are set up to fail and Michael Carrick’s replacement will realise that soon enough

IAN LADYMAN: With a better manager - a better coach - in charge of the current team, United would be in the top half of the league.

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 7:00 AM
Man United are drained of all their clout and reputation, weak off the pitch and on it, writes IAN LADYMAN. They are set up to fail and Michael Carrick’s replacement will realise that soon enough
Key Things to Know
  • Ian Ladyman argues Manchester United are set up to fail following Michael Carrick's departure as manager.
  • Manchester United currently sit in 18th place in the Premier League after a defeat against Aston Villa.
  • Ladyman criticizes United's recruitment strategy, noting approximately £1.75bn spent over a decade on largely sub-standard players.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ian Ladyman argues that Manchester United are set up to fail following the departure of manager Michael Carrick. The club sits 18th in the Premier League after a chaotic match against Aston Villa, reflecting what Ladyman describes as a long-term decline in standards and poor leadership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Ladyman contends that United have squandered roughly £1.75bn on sub-standard signings over the last decade, with captain Bruno Fernandes being the sole consistent performer. He criticizes football director Jason Wilcox's recruitment strategy and warns that any incoming manager will struggle until the club completely overhauls its player recruitment process.

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