Michael Carrick has admitted he does not know whether he will keep his job after Manchester United slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. The result left United 16th in the Premier League and extended a miserable run that has put the manager's future in doubt.
Rayan put the visitors ahead with a back-post volley before mistakes by Leny Yoro and Senne Lammens allowed Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson to add two more goals. Carrick has now overseen just two wins in 12 matches across all competitions this season, with the Bournemouth loss coming after a 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League.
Worst start in nearly 40 years
United have taken just seven points from eight Premier League games, their worst start to a league campaign since they returned four in 1986/87. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox were in the stands at Old Trafford, and both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher predicted that Carrick will be relieved of his duties following the defeat.
"It's a tough situation, there's no hiding from it," Carrick told Sky Sports when asked about his future. "But what it looks like and what's next, I really don't know. I will always do what's best for this football club, I've said it all along and I don't change that now."
Manager under pressure
United have been credited with interest in former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, as well as ex-Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. Carrick was only appointed as permanent United boss in the summer, after owners INEOS explored other options.
The former midfielder made a huge impact after arriving in January as interim boss following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, but has made a dreadful start to the season, with his only two wins coming against newly-promoted Ipswich and Champions League debutants Sabah.
Carrick's reaction
Sunday was a huge game for the 45-year-old, who dropped captain Bruno Fernandes following his post-match comments in Como. But he did not get the reaction he was looking for and now stands on the brink of the sack.
"It was a strange mix of emotions at the end of the game. It wasn't a nice way to end the game," he added. "It was a tough day for the players. We went into the game having been rocked. You can feel that. They're really hurting and disappointed in there. It's not a nice feeling. You have to accept it, we're in that situation."
"It's really difficult to have a day like this at this football club and feel the emotion and dynamics of what it was like today. Not for me personally but for Manchester United. It was really mixed. I feel responsibility with the position I'm in. I've been at the club a long time. It hurts a lot going through this."
