Manchester United coach Michael Carrick grimaces, holding his chin during a match
Michael Carrick has found himself under pressure at Manchester United this season. Photograph: Ian Hodgson/AP
Michael Carrick has found himself under pressure at Manchester United this season. Photograph: Ian Hodgson/AP
Firing a manager is often more about maintaining the illusion of controlLeander Schaerlaeckens

In an era of advanced analytics, deciding when to move on from a manager still seems to come down to vibes rather than logic

He just had to go.

His position had become untenable.

He’d run out of time, out of credit, out of chances.