# Firing a manager is often more about maintaining the illusion of control

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/firing-a-manager-is-often-more-about-maintaining-the-illusion-of-control/
- Published: 2026-11-10T19:03:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T19:24:09+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/10/michael-carrick-firing-managers-premier-league
- Topics: Football, Politics, Sport

## Key points

- Carrick faces criticism amid wider problems at Manchester United.
- Manager sackings often reflect pressure more than clear logic.
- Ferguson and Arteta show how patience can pay off.

## Summary

Michael Carrick’s position at Manchester United is under threat as the club struggles, despite broad agreement that deeper structural problems are not his fault. The article argues that decisions to sack managers are often presented as unavoidable, but are based more on shifting perceptions and the search for someone to blame than on a consistent measure of performance.

The piece contrasts Carrick’s current criticism with his successful spell as caretaker and notes that he is being judged differently despite having similar skills. It points to Sir Alex Ferguson and Mikel Arteta, both of whom survived difficult periods and later succeeded, while cautioning that comparisons can overlook differences in form and circumstances. It argues that managers now get less time to learn, adapt and rebuild.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.