MAN UTD'S RATCLIFFE SACKS MANAGER AS CARRICK'S FUTURE IN LIMBO

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group has parted ways with FC Lausanne-Sport manager Luka Elsner after just five months in charge, as pressure continues to mount on Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, follows a disappointing run of results that has left the Swiss outfit rooted to the bottom of the Swiss Super League standings.

Elsner, 44, took charge of Lausanne on June 1 but struggled to turn around the club's fortunes, recording just one victory, three draws and eight defeats in 12 league matches. He also oversaw two rounds of the Swiss Cup during his brief spell.

His departure followed a dramatic 5-4 defeat to Thun on Sunday, in which Lausanne surrendered a seemingly comfortable 4-1 lead with just 20 minutes remaining.

In a statement confirming the separation, the club said: “After lengthy discussions about the current sporting situation, FC Lausanne-Sport and Luka Elsner have mutually agreed to end their collaboration.”

Lausanne nevertheless acknowledged Elsner's professionalism and commitment, noting that his contribution extended beyond results on the pitch. His technical approach and working methods were also credited with helping develop the club's coaching staff.

However, the club maintained that results remain a decisive factor in professional football, making the separation the most appropriate course of action under the circumstances.

Lausanne further confirmed that a permanent replacement had not been appointed, adding that details of its new sporting structure would be communicated once a decision had been reached.

The development comes at a difficult time for Ratcliffe's football investments, particularly at Manchester United, where head coach Michael Carrick continues to face uncertainty over his future following a disappointing domestic campaign.

Carrick's position has attracted growing scrutiny, with United struggling for consistency and languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.

Supporters have also intensified their criticism of the club's ownership, directing their frustration towards Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who remain influential figures in United's ownership structure.

The discontent was evident during Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League encounter against AS Roma at Old Trafford, where fans staged another protest against the club's leadership.

In the 21st minute, supporters threw green and gold balloons onto the pitch while chanting against the owners, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the club.

On the pitch, however, United produced a much-needed response, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Roma had taken control through early goals from Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen, leaving the hosts trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes subsequently converted a penalty to revive United's hopes before Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha struck twice late in the encounter to complete the comeback.

The victory ended United's nine-match winless run and offered Carrick some breathing room after weeks of speculation about his position.

The manager also received public backing from members of his squad, with players highlighting their determination to repay the trust he had placed in them. Fernandes, however, maintained that the players did not approach the match with the intention of saving their manager's job, insisting that the team's fighting spirit remained intact.

Despite the European victory, Carrick's long-term future remains uncertain, with the club's hierarchy expected to assess whether the improved performance can translate into consistent domestic results.

Several prominent managers, including Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe, have been linked with the United job should INEOS decide to make a change. Unai Emery has also emerged in speculation surrounding the position, particularly ahead of United's upcoming Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Ratcliffe's decision to part ways with Elsner has drawn attention to the wider direction of INEOS' football investments.

The British billionaire acquired Lausanne-Sport in 2017 through INEOS, which also held a presence in the Swiss city between 2010 and 2016. However, the company has recently moved to reduce its involvement in football, with both Lausanne and French club OGC Nice reportedly put up for sale.

INEOS has reportedly engaged consultancy firm Alvarez & Marsal to oversee the proposed sale of Lausanne, with information dossiers circulated to prospective investors.

Ratcliffe has also been pursuing a sale of Nice, with an initial reported asking price of £210 million.

His involvement at Manchester United began in 2024 when INEOS acquired a minority stake in the English club and assumed responsibility for its football operations.

The latest developments therefore present two contrasting managerial situations within Ratcliffe's football portfolio: Elsner has already departed Lausanne, while Carrick remains in charge at Old Trafford despite mounting pressure.