Michael Carrick will remain Manchester United manager for the weekend clash with Chelsea, despite back-to-back defeats to Como 1907 and Bournemouth. The decision reportedly follows support from fans, even as Wayne Rooney delivered a scathing critique of the players.
Fan backing keeps Carrick in place
Carrick appeared to be bidding farewell to supporters after the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. However, he is set to lead the team against Chelsea, largely due to the backing he received from fans despite the club recording just two wins this season.
United reportedly opted to stick with Carrick because of the support he gained from supporters on Sunday. While fans at Old Trafford directed their anger at club executives and owners, Carrick received a warm reception throughout. He was applauded loudly as he left the pitch ahead of the players, who were heavily booed. Although it was not the sole factor in the decision, the support he garnered was noted by those at the top, according to ESPN.
The club has seemingly recognised that its troubles run deeper than simply who manages the team, reports the Mirror. Reservations about some of the frontrunners for the position, including Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, have also contributed to the choice to persist with Carrick, according to The Sun.
Rooney's furious reaction
Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on United's players, insisting they have no excuse whatsoever. In a blistering rant, the club's all-time top scorer said he would like to go into the dressing room and stick a firework "up their a****."
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, he fumed: "What's not fair is the performances they're giving. I looked at the fans, you could see the pain and anger in their faces when them players are walking around the football pitch."
He added: "You see Martinez when Rayan ran round him, they're not getting to the ball, it's so frustrating. I could score a goal, had ability or whatever, I f****** ran and put myself about as a team. These players are not doing that."
Rooney continued: "I'd love to go in that dressing room, walk in that dressing room and say, 'What the f*** are use all doing? What type of performances do you think this is? Do you think you deserve to wear the shirt?' Put a f****** firework up their a**** because they're not doing anything."
He concluded: "We're seeing players who are numb, look like they've got no emotion, look like they don't care. Some of them might care, some good lads who are getting dragged down. It's so frustrating to watch."
