Ugandan Manchester United fans question Carrick’s sacking

13 November 2026, 10:13 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Manchester United supporters in Uganda have questioned the decision by the club’s top management to sack men’s first-team head coach Michael Carrick, saying the move may not be enough to restore the club’s former glory.

The supporters argue that several changes are needed within the club, particularly among the players, if Manchester United is to return to the standards it enjoyed under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Stanley Kasuumba, a well-known Manchester United supporter from Kampala Central Division, said the club should first engage its players to understand why they are no longer performing as expected.

Kasuumba said the decision to dismiss Carrick may have been influenced by pressure from supporters around the world.

“I think Manchester United’s top management made this decision out of pressure from almost all corners of the world, especially the fans,” he said.

He argued that the players were also responsible for the club’s poor performance, adding that even hiring another experienced manager would not solve the problem if the players failed to improve their attitude.

“To me, even if they bring Pep or any other professional manager, if the boys are still playing with no morale, the club will continue to suffer,” Kasuumba added.

He also questioned the club’s decision not to sign some of the players Carrick reportedly wanted during the previous transfer window, saying the manager could not be expected to deliver without the players he needed.

Another supporter, Ainembabazi Carol, a small-scale farmer, attributed Carrick’s departure to his alleged failure to manage the dressing room.

Carol said managing the players is an important responsibility for any coach at a club of Manchester United’s stature.

She, however, urged the players to take responsibility for their performances instead of placing all the blame on the coach.

Other supporters also called for changes to the squad, questioning whether some of the current players, including Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford, should remain first-choice players.

They also raised concerns about goalkeeper Senne Lammens, arguing that Manchester United needs stronger competition in goal.

The club is expected to consider Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement for Carrick.