Michael Carrick is on the brink of losing his job at Manchester United but whoever his successor is has a limited number of players they can build the club around

Michael Carrick is on the brink of leaving Manchester United and it is clear who the fans believe is responsible for the mess that will be left behind. After a 3-0 thumping at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, Carrick's name continued to be sung by the Stretford End as he exited the pitch.

Once Carrick was out of sight, the remaining supporters made their feelings known to the squad as they traipsed down the tunnel. It was a damning statement from a fanbase that has seen enough. While complaints can rightly be made about tactical decisions and transfers that were never completed, it is the current crop of players, at the end of the day, who have to take responsibility on matchdays.

What we saw this weekend was a side that refused to do the basics. Another opponent would maybe have allowed United to scrape by with an unconvincing point. But Bournemouth smelt blood and capitalised expertly.

The dark clouds overhead at United show no signs of shifting anytime soon. However, even in the darkness there are signs of hope for the Reds. Shea Lacey was one of the few players who was greeted with cheers as he entered the pitch against Bournemouth.

It was only when Lacey was introduced that you could see how lacklustre the Reds had played up until that point. He brought urgency to United's attack and produced arguably the only dangerous cross of the game during his brief cameo. In many ways, it is infuriating that Lacey showed what so many of his senior colleagues lack. But at least United have a young forward who looks ready to play regularly for the first-team.

Speaking of academy graduates, Kobbie Mainoo remains an important player for United. The midfielder has been missing since the defeat to Atletico Madrid, and the Reds have certainly felt his absence.

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Mainoo has arguably been United's best midfielder this season. He has been the engine room in the centre. Take him out, and United don't have anyone who can perform his duties.

When he has played, Mainoo has shown why it was ludicrous for Ruben Amorim to overlook him. Criticism of his ability to play that defensive midfield role have been unfounded since Carrick reinstated him. The sooner he is fit again, the better for United.

While Mainoo is the standout midfielder, Carlos Baleba has shown promising signs for United. The new arrival only made his debut for the club a couple of weeks ago, but seems close to being that Casemiro replacement United need him to be.

Baleba has a long way to go but initial signs have been positive. More games alongside Mainoo could be promising for the Reds. No good side has a weak midfield and United could at least be on the verge of having one.

The problem is, those three are the only players United can look to, to build the club around for the next decade or so. Too many of the squad are either entering the latter stages of their careers such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw - or they are simply not good enough.

Young players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have time to reach their potential. But a lack of investment in the defence has forced them to be rushed into the spotlight.

Up front, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have been consistent performers. However, Sesko is out indefinitely with a shin injury and Mbeumo is being forced to cover up front. The former Brentford man will still have his moments, but not to the same extent as when he is on the right flank.

Senne Lammens has been an upgrade on Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. But this season, he has not been as good as his debut campaign, so the jury remains out on him too.

Realistically, Lacey, Mainoo and Baleba are the only players United have, right now, who you can point to as solid investments for the future. That is clearly not enough and the blame for that sits with successive owners, not Carrick. He may be on borrowed time but United fans will still respect what he has done to try and turn the clubs' fortunes around.

Ralf Rangnick's opinion that United need 'open heart surgery' continue to be as true now, as they were in 2022. Question is, when will United book themselves in for the operation.