Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has suggested that manager Michael Carrick may need to be dismissed for his own benefit, as the club continues to struggle with poor results and growing uncertainty over his future.

Neville made the comments on the Stick to Football podcast following Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, a result that intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s position at Old Trafford.

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According to the report, United had gone eight matches without a win, leaving the club just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

The team had also managed only two victories in 12 matches across all competitions.

Neville suggested that United’s hierarchy may have debated Carrick’s future without reaching a firm decision, partly because of limited alternatives and a lack of planning.

“I reckon what’s happened in the 24 hours after Bournemouth is that they literally debated it back and forth,” Neville said.

He added that the club’s decision to retain Carrick could reflect uncertainty over available replacements and difficulties in making a clear decision.

Neville, who played alongside Carrick at Manchester United, said managers sometimes needed to be dismissed to bring an end to a difficult spell.

“Sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good. I needed sacking at Valencia. I was happy that they put me out of my misery,” he said.

Neville managed Spanish club Valencia in 2015 and 2016, a period that ended with his dismissal following a disappointing run of results.

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann were among the names reportedly discussed as possible alternatives to Carrick.

Despite the speculation, Carrick appeared to retain support among sections of the United fanbase.

Supporters applauded him as he walked towards the tunnel after the Bournemouth defeat, while players were booed as they left the pitch.

Carrick was reportedly handed a two-year contract in May after overseeing a strong revival following the team’s difficulties under Ruben Amorim.

The report said United finished third in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League after that improvement.

However, the subsequent downturn has renewed concerns among supporters, with the club continuing to struggle for consistent results.

Manchester United last won the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Since then, the club has experienced repeated managerial changes and difficulties sustaining a challenge for the league title.

Neville also blamed the club’s ownership structure for contributing to its prolonged footballing difficulties, renewing his demand for the Glazer family to sell their controlling stake.

The American family took control of Manchester United in 2005 and remained majority owners after British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in 2024.

Neville argued that the club’s financial position and ownership arrangements had restricted its ability to move forward effectively.

“There’s £1.2 billion of debt in that football club, they’re hamstrung in some ways,” he said.

He also criticised the Glazers for what he described as years of failure on the football side of the club and called for a complete sale.

“Enough is enough, they have to sell the whole the club. The fans have had enough. They have to go now,” Neville said.

His comments place the debate over Carrick’s future within a broader criticism of Manchester United’s leadership, financial structure and long-term direction.

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Whether the club retains Carrick or appoints a replacement, the pressure to deliver improved performances remains a central issue as United seek to recover from their difficult start to the season.