Carrick Stays Put Amid United Slump
The manager says he needs no guarantees after eight games without a win left the club near the bottom of the table.
By Sakura Novak ·
Michael Carrick remains the manager of Manchester United.
The club has gone eight matches without a victory. That streak includes a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday. The result left United one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
The 20-time English champions have won only two of their first 12 matches this season. They have collected seven points from eight league games. That is the worst start to a league season for the club in 40 years.
Carrick addressed reporters on Thursday before Saturday's trip to Chelsea. He said he was not surprised to still be in charge. He also said he did not need any assurances from the club's hierarchy.
"I don't need assurances from anyone," Carrick said. "I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that."
The manager defended his captain, Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes sat on the bench during the loss to Bournemouth. He had previously criticized Carrick's tactics after a 4-1 defeat by Como.
Carrick called the benching a decision for the specific match. "Bruno is fully committed to this football club," Carrick said. "I've got no issues with that; we move forward."
Carrick signed a two-year contract in May. He took over after serving as caretaker boss. That stint saw United finish third in the Premier League and return to the Champions League. The team had struggled under previous manager Ruben Amorim.
Former United captain Gary Neville offered a different view on Thursday. He said sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good. Carrick said he would not walk away from the job.
Fans showed mixed feelings after the Bournemouth match. They applauded Carrick warmly as he left through the tunnel. They then booed the players as they left the pitch. Carrick said the squad feels the pressure of poor results as much as the supporters do.
"The boys are hungry," Carrick said. "We're hurting because we haven't won enough football games. But there is an intensity, an edge, a hunger to do better."
