Transfer Rumours Let's ignore the big ****ing elephant and blame the latest manager, again. Are we nearly there yet?

I wouldn’t call it a disastrous performance by any stretch of imagination. At the same time, we need to improve yet again, especially the conversion rate up front. We had enough opportunities inside Newcastle’s 18 but we lacked directness toward the goal. We were too cute sometimes. Perhaps the substitutions or how they were utilized wasn’t good enough.

Also, we seem to have lost something since Sesko started starting games. So that could also be something. I think would be better to set Mbeumo up front in those banana skin away games and build a disciplined midfield with Amad’s energy. We also missed Shaw’s experience yesterday in the last thirty minutes. So lots of things that could have been different.

We’ll see how the next game turns out. Hopefully this is a good reminder for the team and the manager to step up.

Another good performance against solid opposition. The timing of the Sesko substitution was spot on from Carrick who hasn't put a foot wrong since he joined. Looking good for his prospects and on current form he would be a good fit for the job - he certainly seemed to have a better handle on the game than Emery.

I'm still a fan of Ancelotti - if we can snaffle him away from Brazil after the WC AND keep Carrick as his No2 I would be delighted.

Carrick has dropped five points from possible 24, I think. If we win five of the next 8 games, his achievement would be close to a miracle in the football sense given where we were when he took over with zero transfers made.

Besides, he actually appears to be a very decent human and leader with the right equanimity for the role. If we finish the season strongly, what would be the justification to bring in someone new?

And regardless of who comes in, they too will come with their own risks from the scrutiny. So why take the risk of bringing in yet another star manager?

Leave him in the role. Give him a short term contract - 2 years, and see how next season works out. Focus on improving the team in the summer and let’s quietly start next season without a mountain of expectations that a new star manager would bring. Boring is precisely what we need at this juncture.

Pep - he had experience with Barcelona B team before given the main job. Look at Enrique. He had one year experience at Roma and another Celta Vigo before he became Barcelona manager. Those two were never really superstar managers before given the chance to become one. Arteta is going to win the league this year. What was his direct managerial experience other than being in the dugout with Pep?

Ruben Amorim. Solid experience with Sporting for 4 years. Eric ten Haag. We all know what he did at Ajax. But we know the outcome when brought to transform United.

Then look at Kompany. Bayern took a chance on him and it appears to be working out for them. Sure, the league is less competitive given all of Bayern’s resources, but the same could be said for Barcelona with Pep and Enrique. Resources does not guarantee success. The work still needs to be done. Hell, look at how much we have thrown at managers over the years to succeed.

The point is that there is no single prevailing formula to guarantee success for anyone taking on a job at this club. We have been down various roads for 13 years trying and tossing around ideas.

Carrick is not new to management either. He’s been doing it since 2021. Yes, we can claim that he only did it at Middlesbrough, but it is still experience managing nonetheless. Furthermore, he knows what it is like being part of a big club.

If we get to 67-70 points and thereabouts at the end of the season, he has to get to job. Give him a low key contract, and let him earn further credit through consistent performances. Stop giving insane contracts that lead to massive payouts and he won’t need to spend millions building the team again - which would almost be the demand from a new superstar manager - “I want my team”. Also, if the job is given to the next superstar manager, it will come at a greater risk from the scrutiny that has led massive waste and unfulfilled outcomes for the better part of 13 years.

Ultimately, can no longer afford waste financially and the pointless elevated promises that never materialize. Boring and grinding out results is a far better option to get the club to a stable place again.

Shaw was back to his old pedestrian self and I don't think the game suited Sesko either. I still think the lack of game time will prove to be a curse rather than a blessing.

It doesn't get any better than that - securing Champions League football by beating Liverpool at OT. Another pulsating game, great performances all over the pitch (as well as stupid errors) but once again the never say die spirit was there for all to see. This squad are right behind Carrick and on the evidence before us I'd say he has earned a full time deal.

Most of the alternative candidates have fallen by the wayside - Ancelotti, Enrique etc, and what remains is a bunch of Amorims - talented in their mid=table clubs but all unproven at a club of this magnitude. It may be a case of rinse and repeat with Carrick but the transformation and the belief that he has clearly instilled in the squad is what does it for me. As you say, a two year deal seems like a good idea while we cast our net and find someone of real quality if it doesn't work out. Either way, exciting times.

Chief said:

Not sure how Enrique has fallen by the wayside?

That football in the week v Bayern (bar some of the defending) was delicious.

If PSG win the CL again, what more can he do there?

Agree though otherwise, he's the only actual candidate, the rest aren't.

Click to expand...

I hear he's signing a new contract withg PSG this week.

Dippers be.....

Looks like Carrick has the manager's job on a two year deal with the option for a further year which seems eminently sensible given the way that the players have taken to his methods. A good summer window is essential to continue this momentum but I'm looking forward to next season already.

The big moment here will come in the summer transfer window.
Yes Mike has made massive improvements in the team he has taken over and we are all ecstatic. The big question will come when he has the chance to change/upgrade the team in the summer window, will he pick the right players and positions or not.