Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has criticised the club’s handling of Michael Carrick, describing the treatment of the head coach as “very disrespectful” amid growing speculation that Mauricio Pochettino could replace him.
However, Schmeichel believes Carrick is being unfairly blamed for problems that have been allowed to persist at the club for years.
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, the former United goalkeeper argued that the head coach should be given the opportunity to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.
Schmeichel questions United’s transfer decisions
“I absolutely do feel sympathy for him. I think the way this is playing out is very disrespectful to him,” Schmeichel said.
“If I’m honest, I don’t think he’s doing anything wrong. I know the team that he’s in charge of is where they are in the table, but I don’t put all of that on him.”
Schmeichel traced United’s decline to the period following the departures of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill, arguing that the club had failed to appoint the right people to key positions.
He also questioned the club’s recruitment strategy, pointing to the failure to sign a defender during the transfer window despite the team’s defensive problems.
“They got through a whole transfer window without signing a single defender. You can’t win games if you concede 30 goals in 10 games…that was not addressed,” he added.
Schmeichel urged United to retain Carrick, give him time to stabilise the team and allow him to identify the players needed to improve the squad in January.
Kane backs Pochettino for potential United job
Meanwhile, former Tottenham striker Harry Kane has spoken positively about Pochettino, highlighting the Argentine’s influence on his development during their time together in north London.
The England captain described his former manager as an outstanding coach who played an important role in his career.
“Me and Mauricio obviously have a fantastic relationship,” Kane said.
“I needed his guidance. The way he pushed me, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well was really, really helpful.”
Pochettino led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final and has also managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Kane said he could not speak highly enough of the Argentine, although he stopped short of commenting on the possibility of him taking charge at Manchester United.