Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, with the club's hierarchy granting the 45-year-old the opportunity to halt their dismal run of form. Although United explored replacements—including former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann—Carrick oversaw training on Tuesday morning. The Red Devils visit Stamford Bridge looking to end an eight-match winless streak in all competitions after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth left them hovering just one place above the relegation zone.
United's domestic collapse has seen Carrick's side win just one of their eight Premier League matches this term. Turmoil has also mounted in the Champions League following a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid and a 4-1 thrashing by Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the board for a lack of investment after the Madrid fixture, while club captain Bruno Fernandes targeted Carrick's tactical decisions following the loss to Como. Fernandes was subsequently benched for the Bournemouth game, remaining an unused substitute throughout.
Supporters at Old Trafford chanted Carrick's name as he exited towards the tunnel on Sunday before booing the squad, prompting Carrick to gesture toward the Stretford End. Addressing the crowd's reaction, Carrick told Sky Sports: "It wasn't a farewell from me." The manager admitted to having mixed emotions and acknowledged his players are enduring a tough spell, conceding: "The situation is where we are and we haven't had results or performances that have been good enough."
Carrick initially took interim control in January following Ruben Amorim's exit, securing a permanent two-year deal in May after a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Despite chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox visiting the training ground on Monday, the former Middlesbrough manager retains the reins. After a win at Stamford Bridge helped secure his permanent appointment last term, Carrick now faces Chelsea, a European clash with Roma on Tuesday, and a subsequent fixture against Aston Villa to revive United's campaign.