Carrick to stay in charge of Man Utd for Chelsea game

Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for their trip to Chelsea this weekend.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the 45-year-old will be given the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford following a dismal start to the campaign.

Carrick oversaw training on Tuesday morning, as United look to end a run of eight matches without a win in all competitions when they visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford plunged Carrick's future into doubt, with United sitting one place above the relegation zone.

It is understood United's hierarchy have explored the possibility of replacing Carrick, with ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann under consideration.

But sources have told BBC Sport that the former Middlesbrough manager will not only take charge against Chelsea but will also be given a chance to revive the club's fortunes on the pitch.

Carrick took interim charge in January following Ruben Amorim's departure and he was rewarded with the permanent job in May after securing Champions League qualification with an impressive run that resulted in them finishing third.

But United's form has collapsed this term, with Carrick's side winning just one of their eight Premier League matches so far this season.

Defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the club's board for a lack of investment following United's 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month.

Captain Bruno Fernandes then took aim at Carrick's tactics following a humiliating 4-1 loss against Como in their next Champions League fixture.

The Portuguese was dropped to the bench for Sunday's loss to Bournemouth, and remained an unused substitute.

United supporters chanted Carrick's name as the former England international made his way to the tunnel after the match, but quickly directed boos at the players once Carrick had made his way off the pitch.

Carrick gestured towards the Stretford End as they chanted his name after the match.

"It wasn't a farewell from me," Carrick said on Sky Sports.

"I've mixed emotions, I'm feeling it for my players, they're going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment.

"Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way. To have that connection with the supporters it's mixed emotions, it'll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support.

"The situation is where we are and we haven't had results or performances that have been good enough."

Carrick was at also United's training ground on Monday morning, despite the first team being given the day off.

Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were both pictured arriving at the club's training ground on Monday, with Carrick leaving at about 17:00 GMT.

Howe, 48, is available after leaving Newcastle United last summer but any club that hires the Englishman will have to pay a multi-million pound compensation package to the Magpies after he resigned from his post with three years remaining on his deal.

Nagelsmann, 39, resigned as Germany boss following their quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup and is aware of United's interest in him.

Sources have also indicated Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is admired at United, but the fact he is under contract would complicate any move for the Spaniard.

Manchester United might be trying to pass this off as business as usual but the reality is anything but.

The mere fact there was no clarification around Carrick's future on Monday - both before and after he was at the training ground to watch an Under-21 game his son Jacey was part of, or on Tuesday after his 07:30 arrival at Carrington and the 11:00 training start time, fuels theories and speculation, which just adds to the air of uncertainty.

Carrick will be in charge at Stamford Bridge, but what about Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday and Aston Villa after that?

Given the woeful nature of their last two performances, how will United's players respond at Chelsea when the spotlight on them is so fierce? Can Carrick drag a performance out of them? Has he made his peace with skipper Bruno Fernandes?

Is director of football Jason Wilcox safe? There are still so many unanswered questions.

Last season's win at Stamford Bridge was one of the key results in securing Carrick the head coach's job permanently. Will the next trip there be the start of a brighter future or mark the end of his tenure?