Michael Carrick will remain as Manchester United manager for their Premier League trip to Chelsea on Saturday, despite growing pressure over the club’s poor run of results.
Key Highlights
- Carrick will lead Man Utd against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
- United are winless in eight matches and sit one place above the relegation zone.
- Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Unai Emery have been linked with the job.
- Captain Bruno Fernandes was benched after questioning Carrick’s tactics.
- Fans chanted Carrick’s name after Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
The 45-year-old has been given another opportunity to revive United’s struggling campaign after a disappointing start to the season left the club just one place above the relegation zone.
According to BBC Sport, Carrick oversaw training on Tuesday as the Red Devils prepared to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, hoping to end a run of eight matches without a victory across all competitions.
United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday intensified uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s future, with the club’s hierarchy reportedly exploring possible replacements.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann have emerged as potential candidates, while Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is also admired by the club’s leadership.
However, sources told BBC Sport that Carrick would not only take charge against Chelsea but would also be given an opportunity to improve the team’s performances.
Carrick initially assumed interim responsibility in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure. He was appointed permanently in May after guiding United to Champions League qualification through an impressive run that saw them finish third last season.
Dressing Room Tensions
United’s form has since deteriorated sharply, with the team winning only one of their first eight Premier League matches this season.
The pressure has also been compounded by tensions within the club. Defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly criticised the board over investment following a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
Captain Bruno Fernandes subsequently questioned Carrick’s tactics after United suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Como in their next Champions League fixture.
Fernandes was dropped to the bench for Sunday’s Bournemouth defeat and remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Despite the team’s struggles, United supporters chanted Carrick’s name as he headed towards the tunnel after the Bournemouth game, before directing their frustration towards the players.
Carrick said the supporters’ reaction had left him with mixed emotions, adding that he appreciated their backing during a difficult period.
He also acknowledged that the team’s recent performances and results had fallen below expectations.
Read also:
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Howe, Nagelsmann, Emery In The Frame
The manager was at United’s training ground on Monday despite the first team having a day off, while director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were also seen arriving at the facility.
Howe, who left Newcastle last summer, is available, although any club seeking to appoint him could face a substantial compensation payment because he resigned with three years remaining on his contract.
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is aware of United’s interest after leaving his position as Germany coach following the team’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup.
Emery’s contractual commitment to Aston Villa could make any potential move more complicated.
Although Carrick is set to lead United against Chelsea, questions remain over his longer-term future, particularly with subsequent fixtures against Roma in the Champions League and Aston Villa approaching.
Saturday’s encounter could therefore prove crucial as United attempt to arrest their slump and restore confidence among supporters.
Carrick will be hoping to repeat the success of last season’s victory at Stamford Bridge, which played a significant role in securing his permanent appointment.
The latest meeting, however, comes at a time when both his managerial future and United’s prospects for the remainder of the campaign remain uncertain.
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