So, here we are again. After a fiery press conference, he is finally out. We have to talk about the money first because the numbers are huge. It is costing a total of 27.35 million pounds just to move on from this chapter.
Let’s break that down. We paid a £9.5 million compensation fee to Sporting to get him. He has already earned £7.8 million from his contract. And now, there is a £10.05 million pay-out on the rest of his contract. That is a lot of money for a project that didn’t work.
Where do we stand?
To be honest, I kind of feel sad for the guy. He had a lot to deal with since he came in. There is definitely an argument that the board did not back him properly. He brought in a fixed system and said from the start he wouldn’t change it. But then he threw off the league campaign to focus on the Europa League. In the end, he didn’t win it and missed out. It would have been nice to have that on his CV, but he failed.
It wasn’t all bad though. The new season started well. We competed hard against Arsenal in the first game, even though we lost it at the end. We saw a clear improvement in the attack. Bringing in Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko worked. We are actually the third-best team in terms of xG and goals scored. That isn’t bad at all.
The problem was the stubbornness. He refused to fix the midfield. He didn’t play Mainoo. He kept starting Bruno there. Bruno could have played up top, but maybe the manager never wanted that? Maybe he wanted us to sign one attacker and one midfielder, but with this board, we never know.
What happens next?
Today we play Burnley at Turf Moor. Who is the coach? It is Fletcher. He could do the funniest thing and play both of his sons, Tyler and Jack Fletcher, in the starting 11. I doubt he will do that, but it would be funny if he does. I personally wouldn’t blame him for that. I just hope it is a back 4 and he gets the win.
As things stand, we are likely choosing between Ole or Carrick as an interim until May. While we decide, Fletcher has the keys. But whoever the interim is, I want them straight in for the FA Cup game against Brighton. It is important for them to settle in before the heavy games against City and Arsenal in the league. Come here for Sunday, settle in, train with the team, and try to beat City.
Are we writing off the season?
I personally wanted Xavi. I have talked about this time and time again. But INEOS wants to be 100% correct with their decision. I don’t hate that. I kind of get it. They will have more options to choose from by summer. Managers like Tuchel, Nagelsmann, Unai Emery, Carlo Ancelotti, and Xavi will all be available. Maybe you can deal with teams who have contracts. Also, managers with national teams might join once the World Cup is over. The talent pool is big if you wait.
The concern is the Champions League. We need it to attract top players like Anderson or Wharton for the CDM position. Players might not give their all now because they know the interim is just a pitstop. It effects them psychologically.
So now we are left with Ole or Carrick. I don’t want it to be Ole or Carrick. I want it to be Ole AND Carrick. Ole is not tactically inept, but last time he had McKenna and Carrick. McKenna is at Ipswich now. Carrick is fighting Ole for this interim role rather than working with him. If I had to choose, I would choose Carrick and Ole as the staff. But Ole is the bigger name, so he might be the main one. I feel Carrick has better experience in coaching now and is more tactically present. But I would want them working together to get the best finish possible.
From Ole alone, I don’t have much expectation. I feel most United fans have forgotten how bad we were at the end. Yes, we were good at the start and played entertaining football. But the end was rough. The competition is tougher now. Also, if Ole does well, has a deep FA Cup run, and finishes in UCL spots, fans might think emotionally. They might pressure INEOS to make him permanent. We saw the Glazers make that mistake. I don’t think Ole is a sustainable manager for the long run.
If it is Ole vs Carrick, I would rather give a shot to Carrick. He did a fair job at Middlesbrough and is tactically better. But we will see what happens. I just want the best for the club. Today, we back Fletcher and hope we easily beat Burnley away from home.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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