Michael Carrick remains under intense pressure as Manchester United manager, but members of his squad are backing him to continue in the role and believe they can repair the damage caused by a difficult run of results.
Carrick was close to losing his job after Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat by AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. That result came only days after the club had been beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.
Despite those setbacks, the Manchester United hierarchy decided not to dismiss the former midfielder. Carrick is now expected to take charge of the team for Saturday’s away fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The mood among supporters following the defeat by AFC Bournemouth appeared to be directed more towards the players than Carrick. At least one member of the dressing room seems to share that assessment of the situation.
An unnamed Manchester United player told BBC Sport: “Our feeling is that everyone wants to put things right. Players, staff, everyone.”
Carrick also held what was described as a “frank discussion” with captain Bruno Fernandes on Wednesday. The midfielder had been unhappy after being left out of the side that faced AFC Bournemouth.
Following the 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, Bruno Fernandes had publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics. The manager answered those criticism through the media before leaving the Portugal international out of the squad for the next match.
Bruno Fernandes is not the only Manchester United player to have made outspoken comments in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, after the Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid, defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the club’s recruitment and specifically mentioned technical director Jason Wilcox.
Unlike Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez was selected for Manchester United’s following game. He started the 1-1 draw with Leeds United but was replaced at half-time because of an injury.
Manchester United are currently 16th in the league table, marking the worst opening to a Premier League season in the club’s history.
The club’s difficult position has increased scrutiny on Carrick, who will now be tasked with preparing the team for a challenging visit to Chelsea.
Manchester United minority shareholder and head of football operations Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also set to travel to the UK for Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge.
The decision to retain Carrick gives him further time to change the team’s results, but the manager remains under significant pressure after consecutive heavy defeats and continued concerns surrounding performances both on and off the pitch.
