Carrick stays as Manchester United manager and takes training after crisis talks

MANCHESTER: Michael Carrick remained in charge of Manchester United on Tuesday and led training at Carrington after senior club officials held crisis talks.

His future had appeared in serious doubt after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. The result extended United's winless run to eight matches in all competitions. It left them 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

Club officials met on Monday amid mounting speculation over the manager's position. Potential replacements were linked to the job. No decision was announced, and Carrick reported for work as normal. He is overseeing preparations for Saturday's league trip to Chelsea.

A club source said Carrick and his players would have the opportunity to turn the situation around. The club is focused on preparing for Saturday and showing a response on the pitch.

After the Bournemouth defeat, supporters directed their anger at the players rather than the manager. As Carrick walked towards the tunnel, thousands of fans sang his name and applauded him. Cheers turned to boos seconds later as the players left the pitch. Carrick, 45, had a 12-year playing career at United.

He has repeatedly accepted responsibility for the team's struggles while shielding his players. "I totally understand the situation," he said after the loss. "I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I'm carrying on as normal, and I love this place."

He added: "I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really."

Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and guided United to third in the league. They have not won in the top flight this season since beating newly promoted Ipswich Town on 30 August.

Pressure increased last week when Carrick left captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench. This came four days after the Portugal midfielder publicly criticised United's tactics following a 4-1 Champions League loss at Como.

Fans have also aimed their anger at the club's hierarchy: part-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive officer Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have featured prominently among the names linked with the job. Howe, 48, is available after leaving Newcastle United in the summer. According to The Guardian, United would need to pay Newcastle £3 million in compensation to secure him. Nagelsmann, 39, resigned as Germany coach after the team's round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup. He previously coached Bayern Munich.

United face a demanding run of fixtures. After Chelsea, who are fifth, they host AS Roma in the Champions League. League games against Aston Villa and Liverpool follow. Carrick is United's seventh permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.