The key facts

  • Carrick: 'I am here to do my job' — he needs no assurances from the leadership
  • A run of eight matches without a win; the worst league start in 40 years
  • Carrick backed Fernandes after the conflict and leaving him on the bench

Carrick stays at the helm

Under pressure over results, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said on Thursday that he is 'here to do my job' and does not need 'any assurances' about his future at Old Trafford. According to him, he is not surprised that he continues to lead the team despite the run of poor results, and he backed captain Bruno Fernandes, AFP reports.

Context of the crisis

The position of the 45-year-old coach had been the subject of intense speculation after a run of eight matches without a win. Sunday's 0-3 home defeat to Bournemouth left the team one point above the Premier League relegation zone. This season United have won only twice in 12 matches in all competitions, and seven points from eight league games is their worst league start in 40 years. Speaking ahead of Saturday's away game against Chelsea, Carrick was defiant: 'I am here to do the best for the team. I am desperate to put things right and improve. I am not surprised, no.'

Fernandes conflict and the stance of those around him

Portuguese midfielder Fernandes was left on the bench in last week's home defeat to Bournemouth after criticising Carrick's tactics in the heavy 1-4 loss to Como. Carrick called the decision 'a footballing one': 'Bruno is fully committed to this club. I have no problem with it, we move on.' He also stressed that he does not need public backing from the board: 'I fully understand the position, I understand the job and the responsibility, I understand what comes with it.' Notably, fans greeted Carrick with warm applause after the defeat to Bournemouth, while the players were booed. Former United captain Gary Neville, who played alongside Carrick, said the same day that 'sometimes a manager needs to be sacked for his own good.' Carrick himself firmly stated that he would not resign, adding: 'The lads are hungry. It hurts because we have not won enough, but there is intensity, spirit and a desire to get better.'