Under-fire Michael Carrick is set to take charge of Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth amid intense speculation about his future.
The former midfielder led the rejuvenated Red Devils to third in the Premier League last term following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious January exit and was handed a two-year deal in the summer.
But Carrick’s position is in the balance after United’s poor start to the campaign continued with Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League humbling at Como, extending their winless run to a seventh successive game.
The fact skipper Bruno Fernandes questioned the manager’s approach only increased the scrutiny on the under-pressure head coach, who apologised to the travelling fans after a match that left him “angry” with his players.
Carrick’s position looks precarious but United sources have confirmed to the Press Association that he is set to lead the team into Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. It is also understood Portuguese midfielder Fernandes will avoid any disciplinary action following his outburst.
The head coach will preview the match at a press conference confirmed for 1.30pm on Friday at Carrington, where players and staff will return having had Thursday off following their late return from Italy.
Speaking having overseen one of United’s most embarrassing European defeats, Carrick said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I’m frustrated, more than frustrated. I’m really angry, to be honest. But you’ve got to move on, you’ve got to deal with what’s next and see what that looks like.
“At this moment in time, there’s a lot to do before that next game, to get the team ready, because that was a difficult night for everyone.”
In truth, it has been a difficult start to the season for all connected to United with seven points from seven matches representing their worst start to a league campaign since 1986.
United have won just two of their 11 matches in all competitions, with Carrick’s depleted side last tasting victory against minnows Sabah in their Champions League opener six weeks ago.
The Como loss was the nadir and quite what the response from fans and players will be at Old Trafford against Bournemouth is unclear with the club reportedly considering their options.
Out of work Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have been linked with the role, as have Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery.
But Carrick has to rally the troops for the Cherries game and said: “It’s not about playing for me, it’s about playing for this football club. It’s the responsibility that comes (with it).
“I’m responsible for the football club and the supporters and giving my best – absolute best – all the time, care about it. My whole life is wrapped around it.
“Listen, it might go well, it might not go so well, but I genuinely give everything that I possibly can.
“It’s really not about me and the relationship. It’s about what we all give – players, staff – for this football club.”
Sunday’s match against Bournemouth is followed by a trip to Chelsea next weekend.
United head into the international break with a home Champions League fixture against Roma and a Premier League date with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
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