Michael Carrick is expected to stay in the Manchester United dugout for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, despite mounting pressure after the club’s alarming run of results.
United’s poor form deepens concern
Questions over Carrick’s position at Old Trafford have intensified as United have gone eight matches without recording a victory.
The pressure increased further on Sunday, when Bournemouth claimed a 3-0 win at United’s home ground. The defeat left the club only one point clear of the Premier League relegation places.
- Manchester United have won only two of their 12 matches across all competitions this season.
- They have collected seven points from eight league fixtures.
- It is the club’s weakest opening to a league campaign in 40 years.
Carrick expected to lead team at Stamford Bridge
Reports indicate that Carrick will still take charge when United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder was at the club’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday, overseeing a standard training session.
The 45-year-old is understood to have been granted an opportunity by the United leadership to arrest the decline and improve results.
From last season’s revival to current crisis
Carrick was given a two-year contract in May after producing a strong turnaround while serving as caretaker manager following United’s difficult spell under Ruben Amorim.
United recovered under Carrick to end the previous Premier League season in third place, securing qualification for the Champions League.
However, the current campaign has brought a dramatic reversal in fortunes. Carrick declined to give a direct response when asked about his future after the Bournemouth defeat.
Fans back Carrick as Rooney criticises players
At full-time against Bournemouth, Carrick applauded the supporters as they sang his name in support of their under-pressure manager. The crowd’s frustration was instead aimed at the squad and the club’s hierarchy.
Wayne Rooney, who shared the pitch with Carrick during his Manchester United career, said the players must accept responsibility for the team’s repeated poor displays.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney said:
- “The players have no excuse. The unfair part is the level of performance they are producing.”
- “I watched the supporters and could see the hurt and rage on their faces as those players walked around the pitch.”
