Michael Carrick says he is "not surprised" to still be in charge of Manchester United after the club's hierarchy decided against sacking him following last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth. The result left United without a victory in eight matches and brought Carrick closer to dismissal.
Board Deliberation and Training Ground Visit
In the days after the fixture, United's hierarchy deliberated over Carrick's position before deciding he deserved an opportunity to turn things around. Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox arrived at Carrington on Monday morning to evaluate his future. Carrick was also present at the training complex that afternoon, attending to watch the Under-21s in a closed-door friendly against Hull.
United sources confirmed on Tuesday that Carrick would remain in his position and oversee proceedings against Chelsea this weekend.
Carrick's Response to the Media
Speaking at Thursday's press conference, Carrick addressed the period following the Bournemouth loss, which many observers characterised as a temporary reprieve. He said: "To be honest, disappointment from the game, from the result. 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 whether the board had offered reassurances, he stated: "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 indicated he was unsurprised to remain in post: "No, no, I'm here to do my job and I'm desperate to improve things. I'm not surprised, no."
Bruno Fernandes Keeps the Captaincy
Addressing external speculation, he replied: "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 also confirmed that Bruno Fernandes would retain the captain's armband despite the midfielder criticising United's tactics against Como and being dropped for the Bournemouth defeat. He said: "It was a decision, as I said, for what we felt for the game. That's it. Bruno is fully committed to this football club, and there are absolutely no issues with that. We move forward, we make decisions as we go, and we're looking forward to the game on Saturday now."
