Manchester United’s dismal start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign has triggered fierce scrutiny inside the Old Trafford hierarchy, with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell facing accusations of committing a "sackable offence" during the summer transfer window that directly contributed to Michael Carrick’s impending dismissal.

As Carrick continued to lead training sessions at Carrington while awaiting formal word from chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe following their summit in Monaco, focus has shifted sharply toward the flawed recruitment strategy that left the manager exposed.

Having guided United to an impressive third-place finish last season to earn the permanent role, Carrick has seen his side plummet into the relegation zone after winning just once in ten league matches.

At the center of the storm is the club's £150 million summer midfield rebuild, which saw the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba, and Youri Tielemans to replace the departed Casemiro and cover for Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee ligament injury.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp bluntly labeled the acquisition of Santos from Chelsea a "sackable offence," pointing out that the Brazilian had made only 47 appearances at Stamford Bridge and was little more than a peripheral squad player.

Both Redknapp and Steven Gerrard questioned the logic behind investing heavily in players ill-equipped to shield a vulnerable backline, noting that Santos has struggled badly to command a regular place and was recently dropped to the bench during United’s 3-2 Champions League comeback victory over Roma.

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