Michael Carrick is under mounting pressure after Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit and inconsistent performances, but the article argues that director of football Jason Wilcox and the club’s hierarchy must share responsibility. Carrick is the public face of the team, yet recruitment and long-term strategy are controlled by others, while supporters increasingly see United’s problems as deeper than individual matches.

United spent £155m on three midfielders despite weaknesses at left-back and in attack, raising questions about squad balance and recruitment judgement. Brighton’s global scouting model is contrasted with United’s focus on four Premier League signings, while Carlos Baleba’s absence means the midfield strategy cannot yet be fully assessed; meanwhile, Wilcox’s limited public communication has added to frustration over the club’s direction.