Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick took training on Tuesday and now expects to be in charge against Chelsea on Saturday, sources have told ESPN, amid continuing uncertainty over his long-term future at Old Trafford. Carrick arrived at United's training base just before 8 a.m., and the first-team squad reported back after a day off on Monday. The 45-year-old led the session as United prepare for Chelsea. The expectation is that Carrick will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with the chance to turn the situation around.
The United front office noted that Carrick received significant support from fans during and after the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, with most of the frustration directed at the players. Players were booed at the final whistle and again as they followed Carrick down the tunnel, on a day when the manager left captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench. Fernandes, who has been a pale imitation of the player who won end-of-season awards, questioned the manager's tactics in Como. Carrick called the substitute decision a "pure football" call rather than punishment, but the Portugal international did not play a minute.
Carrick remains under severe pressure after eight games without a win. United have won just once in the Premier League this season, against newly promoted Ipswich in August, and sit 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held talks with officials following the Bournemouth loss.
The Chelsea visit kicks off a difficult run of fixtures, with home games against AS Roma and Aston Villa next week before the November international break. Carrick had been expected to lose his job, with the club hierarchy reportedly exploring replacements including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing