Michael Carrick's tenure as Manchester United manager collapsed after less than ten months. Poor results, player altercations, training issues and indecision over his future were among the developments surrounding the end of his spell.
Temporary appointment and contract
Carrick took the Manchester United job on a temporary basis in mid-January after being recalled from a holiday in Barbados to lead the club temporarily. He signed a two-year contract in May after finishing last season third and qualifying for the Champions League.
Carrick kept turning up at Carrington in his training kit while his fate was being decided behind closed doors. The board granted him two weeks after the three-nil defeat to Bournemouth. Pressure mounted after the defeat to Hull City in August.
Results and goals conceded
United surrendered a lead against Brighton, exited the League Cup and lost to Atletico Madrid and Como in Europe. The club also conceded late goals to Everton and Tottenham.
United drew 4-4 with Aston Villa after coming back from two goals down twice. The club shipped 15 goals in its last four matches and lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid.
Dressing-room and training concerns
Several players got into an altercation on the plane returning from Madrid after the 2-0 defeat to Atletico. Some players spoke of a drop in the standard of training under Carrick and his staff, while others felt the switch to a possession-heavy 4-2-4 did not suit the squad's strengths.
Harry Amass barely got a look-in, Shea Lacey's return was delayed and controversy swirled around the departure of JJ Gabriel. Sources close to the United dressing room believe Carrick was "left to face his fate alone".
Succession plans and club issues
The club was dithering over Carrick's future and secretly courting Mauricio Pochettino as his successor, according to the Daily Mail.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell clashed over Carrick's successor. The Glazer family grew increasingly unhappy with the way Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS run the club.
Attempts to sign Elliot Anderson fell through, while the club brought in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
