Carrick remains Manchester United manager and coach after crisis talks

Michael Carrick remained in charge of Manchester United on Tuesday and led training at Carrington, giving the under-pressure manager and his players another chance to revive a season that has veered worryingly off course.

Carrick’s future appeared in serious doubt after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth he extended United’s winless streak to eight games in all competitions and left them hovering one point above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th place.

Senior club officials held talks on Monday amid mounting speculation about Carrick’s position, with potential replacements already linked to the role according to British media reports.

However, no decision has been announced and the former United midfielder has reported to work as normal, overseeing preparations for Saturday’s league trip to Chelsea.

A club source said Carrick and his players will have an opportunity to turn things around, with the club focusing on preparing for Saturday and showing a response on the pitch.

Amid Sunday’s frustration at Old Trafford, supporters were more angry with the players than the manager.

As Carrick walked towards the tunnel after the final whistle, thousands of fans chanted his name and applauded him. The mood changed seconds later as the cheers turned to angry boos as the players left the pitch.

The scene was a reflection of the goodwill Carrick, 45, still enjoys among a fanbase that remembers both his decorated 12-year playing career at United and the measured way he carried himself.

He repeatedly accepted responsibility for team games while protecting his players from scrutiny.

“I completely understand the situation,” he said after Sunday’s loss. “To be honest, I’m not expecting anything in particular. I’m carrying on as normal and I love this place.

“I always do what I feel is best for the football club, whatever decision is made about anything.”

Carrick turned United’s season around when he replaced Ruben Amorim in January and led them to third in the league, but they have not won in the top flight this season since beating newly promoted Ipswich Town on 30 August.

The pressure on Carrick intensified last week with his decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench four days after the Portuguese midfielder publicly criticized United’s tactics following the 4-1 Champions League defeat in Como.

Fans have also directed their anger at the club’s hierarchy at co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, general manager Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

United face a tough run of fixtures at fifth-placed Chelsea, followed by AS Roma (Champions League), Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Carrick is United’s seventh permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann were high on the list of potential replacements.

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