Redknapp Calls Santos Signing a Sackable Offence

Carrick led Manchester United training on Wednesday as the club’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, and director of football, Jason Wilcox, met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The meeting was scheduled, and a decision on Carrick’s future was expected to be considered. Mauricio Pochettino was said to have reached a full agreement to take over, pending Carrick’s dismissal; the club had not confirmed a change in manager in the information available here.

Redknapp said the decision to sign Santos should cost someone their job. The Brazilian joined for £50 million, a fee Chelsea reportedly valued at roughly twice what they thought he was worth. Redknapp argued that Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo were too similar in style to make sense as midfield recruits. He added that Christopher Vivell, Manchester United’s director of recruitment, had known Santos from his time at Chelsea.

Steven Gerrard had also questioned whether Santos was suited to United at that price, saying the midfielder was not at the level needed to compete for the Premier League and Champions League. Peter Schmeichel, by contrast, said Carrick deserved more players in January after the club’s summer recruitment. United have identified three centre-back targets, with the team having conceded 30 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other club in Europe’s top five leagues. Carrick had asked for further additions during a summer camp in Dublin, but the club spent £150 million on midfielders and declined further investment.