LiveScore Have Your Say Poll: Arne Slot vs Michael Carrick - Which Manager is More Likely To Keep His Job?

Following Manchester United's 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday to secure a Champions League finish, LiveScore ran the poll asking which manager between Arne Slot and Michael Carrick is more likely to keep his job.

Poll Results

Despite the contrasting form of both United and Liverpool in recent months, of the 2,472 app users who voted, 1,386 (56%) believe that Slot is more likely to keep his job than Carrick (25%). Just 13% of voters believe both Slot and Carrick will be in their respective roles next season, while a further 6% feel Liverpool and United are expected to join Chelsea in a managerial hunt.

There is expected to be plenty of managerial upheaval in the Premier League this summer. Chelsea will bring in a long-term successor for Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane in charge until the end of the season. Former Blues boss Enzo Maresca may succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

United and Liverpool could yet make changes in their respective hotseats.

Carrick has worked wonders since taking over the Old Trafford reins in January. United booked a spot in Europe's elite club competition as a result of Sunday's home triumph, an impressive feat considering they looked as though they’d struggle to finish in the European spots at the time of Ruben Amorim’s exit in January.

Some are even calling for Carrick to continue as United boss beyond the end of the season such has been their performances under the former Boro head coach. It’s the polar opposite for Arne Slot, who has struggled in his second season in England. The Dutchman secured Premier League glory in his debut campaign in the Anfield dugout but their title defence was sub-par to say the least.

And with ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso currently on the market following his Real Madrid exit in January, Liverpool have the chance to turn to the Spaniard to improve upon a disappointing season.

Alonso won’t be short of suitors this summer yet the 44-year-old’s ties to the club stands him in good stead.

Carrick deserves long-term United chance

This comes despite United picking up more points (32) than any other Premier League team since Carrick took over in mid-January, and nine more than Liverpool in that time. What’s more, the likes of Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have looked like world beaters under Carrick. The pair have been rewarded with new contracts recently.

In addition, star man and captain Bruno Fernandes looks to have softened his stance over staying at Old Trafford. The Portugal international is out of contract next summer, though United have the option to extend his deal by 12 months, and there had been rumours he’d seek a move away at the end of the season.

This would be devastating for United. Fernandes, after all, ranks top for chances created (120), big chances created (30) and assists (19) in England’s top tier this term. Yet in guiding United back to the Champions League, the creative maestro is more likely to stay, which in itself is perhaps enough that Carrick is the right man for the role.

Saying that, United may be keen to avoid a repeat of their Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation. The Norwegian took over as United caretaker in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s exit in December 2018, and was named full-time boss in March 2019, penning a three-year deal, before departing in November 2021.

Slot's second season struggles

Conversely, Liverpool have regressed during Slot’s second season. Granted, he hasn’t been helped by injuries to key men combined with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure and Mohamed Salah’s regression. Liverpool, though, invested heavily last summer, bringing in, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, among others, the former starting to find his feet following a tough start to life in England.

Despite the high-profile, big money additions, Liverpool have floundered this season, and with the Reds expected to spend big again this summer - Jeremy Jacquet has already been signed - the issue will be whether Slot can maximise this expensively assembled squad, or even whether he warrants the chance to continue at the Anfield helm.

So, while voters feel Slot is more likely to remain in charge at Liverpool, the Dutchman should perhaps be considering future managerial opportunities. With Alonso, a manager who’d be welcomed to Anfield with open arms, currently available, the 2024-25 champions should cut their losses with Slot and turn their attention to the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.

Granted, it’s a risk for United to keep Carrick beyond the summer given their previous with managers impressing in a caretaker role, yet he’s evidently earned the chance to continue his flying start at Old Trafford. The same cannot be said of Slot and Liverpool.

Verdict: Sack Slot, Keep Carrick