Norway boss Stale Solbakken has slammed Manchester United for the way they have handled Michael Carrick’s sacking.
Stale Solbakken has praised Michael Carrick’s loyalty to Manchester United, while taking aim at the club’s hierarchy over the way they have handled the managerial situation.
Carrick was officially relieved of his duties at United on Thursday morning, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to take over at Old Trafford.
While Carrick’s departure was almost inevitable, the manner in which things have gone down have attracted criticism, particularly because Carrick was still involved in first-team duties while reports about his impending departure continued to emerge.
Solbakken opens up on Carrick’s sacking
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Solbakken appeared surprised to learn that Carrick had led Manchester United’s training session on Wednesday despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his position. However, the international manager was quick to recognise the former midfielder’s commitment to the club.
“It says a bit about what kind of club man he is, how strongly he is connected to that club and what loyalty he has,” Solbakken said via Nettavisen.
The Norwegian was also critical of the way Manchester United’s leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, have allowed the situation to unfold. Reports about Carrick’s departure and Pochettino’s expected appointment have continued to surface while the former midfielder remained in charge of training.
Solbakken was not particularly surprised by the developments, suggesting that the latest controversy was another example of poor decision-making at the club.
“If that’s true, then it’s probably not the first mistake Ratcliffe and co have made,” he added.
Carrick’s time as Manchester United boss
Carrick’s departure comes after a difficult start to the campaign for Manchester United. The Red Devils have collected just eight points from their opening ten Premier League matches and find themselves in the relegation zone. Their latest outing under the Englishman ended in a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United have struggled for consistency this season, winning just three of their 15 matches across competitions. Prior to their comeback win over AS Roma in the Champions League, they were on a nine-game winless streak.
Carrick had only signed a new two-year contract in May after impressing during a four-month interim spell. However, the club now appear ready to turn to Pochettino, who has previously managed Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain and is currently in charge of the United States national team.
The Argentine manager is expected to take charge ahead of their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, United’s first match after the international break.