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Carrick to Lead Man Utd Against Chelsea Amid Crisis
Confirmed
In Short: Carrick has been criticized for his tactical decisions, particularly his decision to not press man to man, which Fernandes argued left too much space for the opposition.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will continue to lead the team for their upcoming match against Chelsea this weekend, despite a series of poor performances and mounting pressure on his position.
The decision comes after a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, which left United one place above the relegation zone with just seven points from eight games.
Captain Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, saying the team's pressing style left too much space for the opposition.
Carrick, who signed a two-year deal with the club last May, sidestepped questions about his future after the Bournemouth defeat, acknowledging that the situation is difficult but insisting he is giving his best for the club.
Fans at Old Trafford showed their support for Carrick before the game, but also booed the players, reflecting the team's current struggles.
Carrick's contract runs until 2028, but the club's poor form and recent losses have intensified discussions about his future.
United's directors reportedly interviewed other candidates in January before appointing Carrick, and such talks could resume in the coming days.
Fernandes' criticism of Carrick's tactics was seen as a sign of unrest in the dressing room, potentially signaling the end of Carrick's tenure.
Former United player Ashley Young, who has worked under Conte, warned that the appointment of Carrick had the potential to be a 'disaster' given concerns over the work rate of the current squad.
Carrick has been criticized for his tactical decisions, particularly his decision to not press man to man, which Fernandes argued left too much space for the opposition.
Despite the criticism, Carrick has maintained that he is committed to the club and believes there are signs of progress, though he acknowledged that the team still has much to work on.
What this adds
Manchester United's struggles continue with a poor start to the Premier League season, raising questions about Carrick's future despite his contract extension.
The team's recent losses and lack of wins have intensified discussions about Carrick's position, with some suggesting that his time at the club may be coming to an end.
Fernandes' public criticism of Carrick's tactics has added to the pressure on the manager, highlighting internal tensions within the squad.
Background
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticized manager Michael Carrick's tactics following the team's 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
What's confirmed
- It is understood training is taking place as usual, with Carrick and his squad being given the opportunity to turn the situation around and focus on showing a response in the next match away to Chelsea on Saturday.
- Carrick sidestepped questions over his future following the Bournemouth defeat, when he waved to the crowd and patted his chest as he left the pitch as fans supportively chanted his name.
- Fernandes Takes Aim at Carrick as Man Utd Lurch into Fresh Crisis Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticized manager Michael Carrick's tactics following the humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.
What's still developing
- "The situation is where we are and we haven't had results or performances that have been good enough."
- Man Utd were locked in crisis talks on Monday, according to various outlets, with many expecting Carrick to lose his job after a poor run of results and performances.
- There is a possibility that Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick could stay on for two reasons, according to reports, despite sack reports.
- United have won just two of their 12 games in all competitions, beating newly-promoted Ipswich Town and Azerbaijan side Sabah in the Champions League.
- Carrick headed to Carrington shortly before 2pm on Monday to watch United Under-21s take on Hull – the side that ensured their Premier League season got off to a nightmare start – in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
- Michael appreciated the support of Old Trafford today ❤️ Popular former Red Devils midfielder Carrick had stepped in last season to help stabilise the club following Ruben Amorim’s rocky reign and his arrival in January helped inspired the side’s rise to third in the Premier League.
- "It's an impossible situation for Carrick and feels like it's delaying the inevitable."
- Manchester United news round-up for Friday 23 October 2026, updated 07:25 UK Michael Carrick will remain Man Utd manager for Sunday’s game against Bournemouth, Sky Sports reports.
- READ: Carrick sack coming and he should take Bruno Fernandes with him as Man Utd destroyed by Como And after admitting his side’s performance was “unacceptable” in his post-match interview, Carrick told reporters in his press conference that Fernandes’ comments weren’t accurate, before taking aim at his players for “not running”.
- Brit Brief called Carrick’s late changes a poor decision, and Rashford stayed on the bench.
- But after eight games without a win, the worst run since 2015-16 and two horrific defeats in a week, the end is approaching for Carrick, with his bosses in serious talks about his future.
- "I thought we should have won the game, I thought we created enough to win the game," he said.
Sources
- EDP24link
- Football365link
- Metro.co.uklink
- Renfrewshire Gazettelink
- Sky Sportslink
- The False 9link
- Football365link
- Thefalse9link
- Englishlink
- BBClink
- Sabcsportlink
- Sportbiblelink
- Inewslink
- Teamtalklink
- WarpBeat — background on Fernandes Criticizes Carrick's Tactics After Man Utd's Humiliating Loss to Como link
- Sky Sports News — video link