Michael Carrick must have known what was coming. Not just because reports of his imminent dismissal were widespread - followed by information about who would be replacing him as Manchester United boss. But because, effectively, he and his representatives were given heavy enough indications...
It was just after 6pm on Sunday, 8 November when the message landed. Manchester United were 4-2 down to Aston Villa, and Old Trafford was resigned to defeat. "Be gentle." The plea came from someone who knows Michael Carrick well, has worked with him and understands at first hand the pressu...