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Bradley Carnell is out as manager of the Union. Here’s how fans reacted to the news on social media

A mix of reactions and sentiments flowed through social media in response to the Union firing manager Bradley Carnell, with the club holding the distinction of having the MLS’ worst record.

Union’s head coach Bradley Carnell (left) complains to an official during the Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union MLS soccer match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. on Saturday, May 16, 2026
Union’s head coach Bradley Carnell (left) complains to an official during the Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union MLS soccer match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 Read moreElizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
    by Conor Smith
    Published 

Not even a year after being named MLS Coach of the Year and leading his squad to a Supporters’ Shield, Union manager Bradley Carnell.

Sources confirmed the news to the Inquirer, and the team subsequently released a statement, adding that Union II head coach Ryan Richter will serve as the team’s interim head coach, and that the interim tag was removed from sporting director Jon Scheer’s title.

The Union (1-10-4, 7 points) hold the distinction of having MLS’ worst record. The team has mustered just one win in their first 15 league matchups and ranks last in the Eastern Conference. In the team’s first 10 games, they scored just five points — the lowest ever in franchise history in that span.

Carnell’s firing comes on the heels of a six-game losing streak topped off by a 6-4 loss to the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami. Additionally, the Union currently have the lowest payroll in the league, almost five times less than that of Inter Miami’s.

Some fans and onlookers took to social media to voice their grievances with Carney’s firing, blaming the team for moving on from some of the best players on last year’s squad.

Notably, the Union lost Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes, and Tai Baribo this offseason — all of whom were All-Star selections last year.

Here’s what members of the media and fans are saying about Carnell:

Carnell was hired in January 2025 following the firing of longtime manager Jim Curtin. Now the Union’s technical staff, led by Scheer, will begin a new search for a new coach. Scheer had been serving in the role since sporting director Ernst Tanner was suspended by MLS for discriminatory behavior.

In the case of Carnell, there were others who were more supportive of the move, or at least understand the rationale:

And, leave it to some fans to cope through jokes and memes:

The Union, along with the rest of MLS, will not see game action for another two months as the league presses pause for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

    CS
    Conor Smith
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