Former Manchester United academy player on Michael Carrick’s departure, potential replacements and his time at the club 

Former Manchester United academy player Neil Mustoe believes Michael Carrick’s departure was disappointing, but ultimately felt the manager was left with a squad that wasn’t good enough. 

Carrick’s time at Old Trafford came to end after a difficult period which saw the Red Devils win just one game in their last 10 games, with Mustoe suggesting that the decision had been building for some time. 

Speaking about the dismal, Mustoe admitted he was disappointed by the news, believing Carrick had done enough to earn his opportunity after his previous spell in charge. 

“I’m disappointed, I think he’s probably done enough. Last season he probably overachieved which is what probably went wrong,” he said. 

Mustoe, the current Tuffley Rovers manager, suggested that Carrick’s success last season, where he guided Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League had made it difficult for the club to not give him a job. 

“If he finished mid-table, it would have been seen as a success and he probably would have gone in the summer,” he explained. “But since he got Champions League there no was other option than to give him the job.” 

With Champions League football it increased the demands on both Carrick and the Untied squad, which Mustoe believes was the main reason for the drop in standards at the club. 

“Last year they had a week to prepare for games, but now they come thick and fast and he’s (Michael Carrick) is not experienced enough for it,” he added. 

Despite Carrick’s departure making him the tenth manager to be dismissed at Manchester United, Mustoe insists that the problems extend beyond the dugout, pointing towards the quality of the players. 

“100%, it’s the same players just in a different formation,” he highlighted. 

Mustoe also mentioned the club’s long-standing problem in goal and across the defensive line, believing the lack of quality has placed too much pressure on young players. 

“They’ve been crying out for a good goalkeeper and a back four for about five years,” Mustoe said. “The back four just aren’t good enough and it places too much pressure on (Ayden) Heaven and (Leny) Yoro, who need guidance.” 

Looking ahead, Mustoe was more positive about the prospect Mauricio Pochettino taking charge, suggesting that his style and ability to work with young players will suit the club. 

“I think it’s a good one. The way he plays, he likes young players, he likes energy,” he said. 

The former academy player also believed that Pochettino would be a better fit than some of the other alternative options, pointing to the former Premier League winner Antonio Conte and the track record in which he comes with. 

“I wouldn’t have wanted Conte or anything like that, he has instant success but always leaves a car crash behind,” Mustoe explained. 

Mustoe himself has a longstanding connection with Manchester United stretching back to 1993, when he joined the academy after leaving school having grown up supporting the club. 

“It was a perfect storm, I was a Manchester United supporter, I used to go watch them as a kid,” he said. 

Mustoe was part of the youth setup that won the FA Youth Cup in 1995 before becoming a professional. Despite the difficulty of breaking through alongside the famous Class of 92, he managed to train every day during his first year as a professional. 

“I played 18 out of 24 reserve games that year but unfortunately I never played a decent level game for them,” he added. 

Following his departure from Old Trafford, Mustoe went on to play for Wigan Athletic, Cambridge United and Gloucester City. 

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