Michael Carrick remains Manchester United manager after crisis talks over his future, taking training at Carrington on Tuesday as the club gave him another opportunity to revive their struggling season.
Carrick’s position came under serious threat following Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, which extended United’s winless run to eight matches in all competitions and left them 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
Senior club officials held talks on Monday amid growing speculation about a possible managerial change. However, the club announced no decision, allowing the former United midfielder to continue preparing his players for Saturday’s league trip to Chelsea.
A club source said Carrick and his squad would have the opportunity to turn the situation around, with United focused on preparing for the Chelsea fixture and delivering a response on the pitch.
Fans back Carrick despite growing pressure
The reaction at Old Trafford after Sunday’s defeat offered Carrick some encouragement amid the mounting pressure.
Thousands of supporters sang his name and applauded him as he walked towards the tunnel after the final whistle. However, their mood quickly changed to angry boos when the players followed him off the pitch.
The response reflected the goodwill Carrick retains among supporters, who remember his decorated 12-year playing career at United and his composed approach to the team’s struggles.
The 45-year-old has repeatedly accepted responsibility for the poor results while shielding his players from criticism.
“I totally understand the situation,” he said after Sunday’s loss. “I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal, and I love this place.
“I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really.”
Tough fixtures ahead for Carrick
Carrick initially revived United’s season after replacing Ruben Amorim in January, guiding the club to third place in the league. However, United have not won a top-flight match this season since beating newly promoted Ipswich Town on August 30.
His decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench last week also intensified scrutiny. The Portugal midfielder had publicly criticised United’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como four days earlier.
Meanwhile, supporters have directed criticism at the club’s hierarchy, including part-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
United face a difficult run of fixtures against Chelsea, AS Roma in the Champions League, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Carrick is the club’s seventh permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, while Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have emerged among the names linked with the job.
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