Michael Carrick set to stay in charge for Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea

Michael Carrick is set to be given more time to turn Manchester United’s form around and is expected to remain in charge for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist reported on Tuesday that training was taking place as usual, with United looking for a response at Stamford Bridge following Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

The development would give Carrick another opportunity to end an eight-match winless run after successive heavy defeats increased the pressure on his position.

Michael Carrick expected to lead Manchester United at Chelsea

Writing on X on Tuesday, Jacobs reported that Carrick was set to be given time to improve results and was expected to take charge against Chelsea.

“Training is taking place as usual,” Jacobs wrote, adding that United were looking for a response at Stamford Bridge.

A second report on Tuesday said Carrick would be given the chance to turn results around, with staff and players preparing for the trip to Chelsea. The Independent had reported overnight that he would stay on as manager for now after surviving Monday’s talks, although any final decision rests with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The reports follow uncertainty over Carrick’s future after the Bournemouth defeat, with United’s leadership considering how to address the team’s poor start.

The Times earlier reported that Carrick had returned to Carrington to oversee training while discussions about his position continued.

Jacobs’ update did not specify how much time the head coach would be given beyond the Chelsea match.

Bournemouth and Como defeats leave United needing a response

Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford followed a 4-1 Champions League loss at Como, with United conceding seven goals across the two matches.

The Bournemouth result left them with seven points from eight Premier League games, just one point above the relegation zone. United have won only twice in 12 matches across all competitions this season, according to Reuters’ report on Sunday’s defeat.

Carrick left captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench against Bournemouth after the midfielder criticised his tactics, The Independent reported.

That represents a sharp downturn after Carrick guided the club to Champions League qualification last season and subsequently received a two-year contract.

Supporters continued to show their backing for Carrick after the Bournemouth game, singing his name while directing their frustration towards the players.

Chelsea trip offers Carrick another opportunity

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been among the reported candidates should United decide to change manager.

However, the latest reports suggest Carrick will oversee preparations for Stamford Bridge himself, with the immediate focus on reversing the team’s recent results.

Former United manager Erik ten Hag previously urged the club to keep faith with Carrick, arguing that another dismissal would not solve their problems.

For Carrick, the Chelsea match now represents a chance to provide a response after a week in which both his team’s performances and his future have come under scrutiny.

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