Michael Carrick has said he does not need assurances about his future after Manchester United decided to give him more time as head coach following the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The result left United eight games without a win and pushed Carrick closer to the sack.
Board decision after Bournemouth loss
United's board considered Carrick's future in the days after the game but eventually decided he should be given a chance to turn the situation around. Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox reported to Carrington on Monday morning to discuss Carrick's future, and the United boss was also present at the training ground that afternoon to watch the Under-21s play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull.
United sources confirmed on Tuesday that Carrick would stay in his role and take charge against Chelsea this weekend. Speaking to the media ahead of that clash, Carrick was asked about the days after the defeat that many have labelled a stay of execution.
Carrick's response
"To be honest, disappointment from the game, from the result," he said of coming back into Carrington. "It's clear from the way the game went. Dealing with that was the main thing, looking at what we could have done better. Then getting back to training with the players and preparing for the next game against Chelsea."
Asked if the board had given him any assurances, he said: "I don't need any assurances from anyone; I get the position and understand the responsibility and what comes with that. I don't need any assurances from anyone."
Carrick said he was not surprised that he is still in the job. "No, no, I'm here to do my job and I'm desperate to improve things. I'm not surprised, no," he added.
Current form and upcoming clash
Discussing the outside noise, he responded: "I don't see it really, I see the things I need to see. I don't look for it because it doesn't help. I care about what the supporters think, what we give them and offer them, and what they see. I know what we need to do to be better - I don't need anyone else to tell me."
Carrick has two wins (against Ipswich Town and Sabah) from 12 games in all competitions this season. United currently sit a point above the relegation zone, so they could drop into the bottom three this weekend.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night before losing on penalties. Xabi Alonso's side suffered their third defeat of the league campaign against Tottenham at home last weekend. The London club sit fifth in the Premier League table, six points ahead of United.
