Manchester United Crisis: Carrick Keeps Job for Chelsea Trip

Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United at Chelsea on Saturday (Oct 31) after the club’s hierarchy chose to keep him in charge for now, despite a Manchester United crisis that has left the team one point above the Premier League relegation zone, AFP reported.

The match at fifth-placed Chelsea kicks off at 12.30pm UK time (8.30pm Malaysia time). United have gone eight games without a win in all competitions and are off to their worst league start in 40 years, according to AFP.

Board keeps Carrick for now

Pressure on Carrick grew after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday (Oct 25). Sky Sports reported that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met at the Carrington training ground this week to discuss the next steps, with the outcome being that Carrick continues in the role.

Speaking ahead of the Chelsea trip, Carrick said he did not need guarantees about his future. “I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard,” he said, as quoted by AFP. Sky Sports reported that he also said he was not surprised to still be in the job.

AFP noted that if Carrick is dismissed, he would become the third United manager sacked under club powerbroker Ratcliffe since he bought a minority stake in the club in 2024.

Fernandes captaincy settled

Captain Bruno Fernandes was left out of the squad for the Bournemouth game after criticising Carrick’s tactics, with Harry Maguire wearing the armband, Sky Sports reported. The pair held clear-the-air talks on Tuesday (Oct 27), according to the broadcaster.

Carrick said there was no decision to be made over whether Fernandes stays as captain, describing the midfielder as fully committed to the club and saying the two would move forward together.

Manchester United crisis off the pitch

The dressing-room tension has not been limited to Fernandes. AFP reported that defender Lisandro Martinez was fined for publicly criticising the club’s transfer policy.

United’s trip to Chelsea comes on the same day Manchester City host Brighton, while Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday (Nov 1).

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Carrick Insists Manchester United Are Not Unmanageable Despite Poor Run