Carrick's performance sparks Sir Jim Ratcliffe's doubts, reasons revealed, needs to reclaim his reputation! Manchester United approached two candidates who declined.

Carrick's prospects for a permanent role at Manchester United have once again become uncertain. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe visited Old Trafford hoping to see the team secure a Champions League spot, but instead witnessed a poor performance and a 1-2 defeat. Despite controversial refereeing decisions affecting the match, the team's dismal first-half display led senior management to question Carrick's capabilities.

Prior to this match, Manchester United had a 24-day preparation period, yet their first-half performance was shockingly poor. Their lack of fighting spirit against Leeds United's aggressive tactics was a key reason for Ratcliffe's dissatisfaction. Notably, Leeds had not won multiple Premier League games before this match, failing to secure a regular-time victory in nine consecutive matches across all competitions, and had only won one away game this season—against bottom-placed Wolves.

Thus, Ratcliffe's concerns about the team's lack of intensity are not unreasonable. In fact, Carrick's best performances came in the initial matches against Manchester City and Arsenal; since then, the team's form has declined, even suffering a 1-2 defeat to Newcastle United, who were playing with a man down.

Manchester United originally planned to begin their manager selection process in April. If Carrick had maintained his initial momentum, he likely would have secured a permanent contract. However, the situation has changed, and Ratcliffe's team will expand their contact with other managers, including Luis Enrique, Oliver Glasner, Unai Emery, and Andoni Iraola among the candidates.

For Carrick, the positive news is that some of these candidates have already clearly rejected Manchester United. According to The Daily Telegraph, Enrique is set to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and continue as head coach, with significant progress in negotiations for a new deal.

Enrique will extend his contract until 2029, with an additional one-year renewal option. His current contract expires in June 2027, so both parties are not rushing to announce the new agreement. The 55-year-old Enrique previously stated that rumors about him refusing to renew are false.

"There have always been many rumors circulating about Paris Saint-Germain, and we are accustomed to it," Enrique said. "This is my private matter, and it will remain so; there is a lot of false news, fortunately it doesn't affect the players or the team. Negotiations are normal, and the details are confidential. We are very clear about our goals, that is the most important thing, and both sides are calm and relaxed."

Enrique recently led PSG to a 4-0 victory over Liverpool, advancing to the Champions League semifinals where they will face Bayern Munich. Logically, there is no reason for him to leave a strong team and a lucrative annual salary of 20 million euros to coach Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Another manager approached by Manchester United also does not consider the club his top choice. Andoni Iraola, confirmed to leave Bournemouth at the end of this season, is seen as a favorite to coach his former club Athletic Bilbao, where he played. As a player, Iraola represented Bilbao in eliminating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the Europa League. Although Manchester United has greater influence, Iraola seems to feel that currently he is more suited to coaching a non-top-tier club.

Recently, Manchester United's manager selection process has noticeably accelerated. Senior management clearly understands they cannot make another mistake in appointing the next head coach. Reports indicate the next step for the club is to meet with German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann. The German coach is open to returning to club management after the World Cup and eager to try the Premier League, making him a strong contender for Manchester United.

However, Manchester United will continue to give Carrick opportunities to prove himself. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained: "From day one, Manchester United clearly told Carrick: 'While we internally assess all possible optimal manager options, you can give your best effort.' Carrick fully accepted this; he still has the chance to remain and become the permanent head coach."

Manchester United correspondent Andy Mitten also stated: "Nothing has drastically changed. If Carrick can lead Manchester United into the Champions League, he will keep the job. Manchester United has been and will continue to conduct due diligence on various coaching candidates, understanding different coaches' potential plans for the next one or two years—they should do that. Currently, the situation still favors Carrick. Due to various reasons, such as the World Cup, some renowned coaches cannot take the role. There is still considerable recognition for Carrick, but he first needs to ensure the team qualifies for the Champions League."