WAYNE BARTON ON MONDAY: Carrick's stay of execution exposes directionless directors

For the third season in a row, it appears that United’s squad of players have nothing to play for but the uncertain future of their manager, and although the noises from above insist they are giving Michael Carrick time, it has started to feel as though every football match is a stay of execution, with the club one bad result away from plunging themselves straight back into transition.  

Indeed, the prevailing feeling is emanating that Carrick’s future is now aligned to that of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, and that their reluctance to make the call to end his tenure is rooted more in the fear of their own careers at the club than the manager’s. Any truthfully-intentioned promise of time must include giving Carrick both the January transfer window and personal preference of signings in order to either allow or transfer the majority of responsibility on to the shoulders of the head coach.