Manchester United are in complete freefall this season following yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The tie at Old Trafford saw the Cherries dominate with a stunning 3-0 win over Michael Carrick's men. Of the 12 fixtures in all competitions this season, United have won just two and sit 16th in the Premier League table.

While Carrick's job feels as if it's just days away from being revisited and a new head coach being installed at the club, there have also been serious questions raised about the club's higher-ups.

After Lisandro Martínez took direct shots at United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, last week over the club's lack of investment in the squad this summer, Old Trafford fans took aim at the former Southampton man and the club's CEO, Omar Berrada.

A series of chants alluding to their lack of competence, along with calls for the club owners, the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to sell the club, rang around the stadium, while the players on the pitch were booed.

While fans' grievances were mostly aimed at the club's decision makers, and the Old Trafford faithful made their backing of Carrick clear, the easiest solution is always to sack the manager.

It is impossible to move players on outside transfer windows no matter how poorly they are playing, and board members will not fire themselves. Therefore, there is an overwhelming feeling that Carrick could be fired before United's next game.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Carrick was asked if he expects to be sacked following the 3-0 loss on Sunday afternoon.

"I totally understand the situation," the United boss explained. "I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I'm carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place.

"I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really.

"So that's kind of it. You know, I'm not expecting anything either way."

It should become clear in the coming days whether Carrick will be relieved of his duties, with reports suggesting that United have already begun exploring potential replacements.

Eddie Howe is reportedly the favourite to take over if Carrick is sacked, with Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann also being touted as candidates.

However, changing the head coach alone is unlikely to solve United’s deeper problems. The club risks repeating the same cycle of hiring and firing managers without making the significant squad investment needed to deliver sustained progress, a pattern that has persisted under INEOS’ leadership.

It remains to be seen whether Wilcox and Berrada will face consequences for the club’s struggles. If they remain in their positions, however, they must ensure greater investment in the squad going forward, or United risk ending up in the same position again.