Shearer: Man United's problems stem from how the club is run, not the manager

Alan Shearer updated his personal column to discuss Man United's current struggles.

Carrick Faces Threat of Dismissal

Man United have frequently changed managers without ever resolving their underlying problems. The club’s operations and management are appalling, and what happens at the top directly affects performances on the pitch.

Carrick performed excellently last season, leading Man United to third place in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification. Man United remain a great football club, but they are no longer a great team. Despite needing significant reinforcements this summer, they failed to sign their primary targets or even their secondary alternatives, continuing a long-standing pattern of problematic transfer strategy.

I hope Carrick doesn't lose his job, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does, because this keeps happening. Look at how many managers Man United have cycled through. Incredibly bizarre decisions are constantly being made at this club. They always think, "It's the manager's or the head coach's fault." But that's not the real issue.

Bruno Fernandes Must Take Responsibility Before Criticizing Carrick

Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick after Man United's loss to Como. A week earlier, Lisandro Martínez attacked the club's hierarchy following the defeat to Atlético Madrid. As players, you need to ask yourselves: are you fulfilling your responsibilities? I didn't see much effort, commitment, or work rate from Bruno against Como.

At every club, players have influence. That's the reality of modern football, whether we like it or not, but players must be accountable. When the captain publicly criticizes the head coach, it puts added pressure on everyone. You can't publicly blame your head coach after a poor performance and a difficult season—it puts both him and his team in an untenable position.

Bruno Fernandes was the Premier League's best player last season, but we haven't seen anything close to that form this year. While his criticism of the coach is understandable, has he played well himself this season? The same question applies to Lisandro Martínez.

Bruno would be better served saying, "Our team is a mess, and as captain, I take responsibility for it," rather than placing all the blame on the head coach—especially when his own performances have been poor. I suspect he may be frustrated at being substituted.

Man United's Problems Are Clear

Even from outside the club, Man United's predicament is clear. In recent years, before Carrick, they went through three managers: Rangnick, Ten Hag, and Amorim. Behind the scenes, there was also the Dan Ashworth situation: Man United paid Newcastle compensation to bring him in, only for him to leave months into the role. Poor transfers, disputes over ticket prices, and friction between ownership and supporters further underline the club's troubles.

Is Conte the answer for Man United? I don't know. But I must stress that Man United's problems are not the manager's responsibility; there are deep structural issues at the club. I don't know how keen Conte is to manage Man United, and I wonder whether potential managers will look at the club's current chaos and constant managerial turnover and decide that now isn't the right time to take over.

Howe has also been linked with Man United, and he wants full control. Whether he can get that at Man United, I can't say.