Manchester United have decided to stick with Michael Carrick as head coach ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture at Chelsea, despite mounting pressure following Sunday's home defeat to Bournemouth.
Carrick had been widely expected to be dismissed after the loss, with reported discontent in the dressing room and critical remarks from Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes. However, after discussions involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and co-owners the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Carrick will remain in post for the time being.
Support from fans and doubts over candidates
United reportedly opted to retain Carrick after the backing he received from supporters on Sunday. While fans at Old Trafford directed their frustration towards the club's hierarchy and owners, Carrick was met with a positive response throughout. He was applauded warmly as he left the pitch ahead of the players, who were subjected to loud jeers.
Although it was not the sole consideration in the decision, the support he garnered from fans was noted by those in charge, according to ESPN. Reservations about some of the leading contenders for the role, including Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, have also contributed to the decision to persist with Carrick, reports The Sun.
Rooney criticises players
Wayne Rooney has criticised United players, saying they "haven't got a leg to stand on." In a blistering outburst, the club's record goalscorer 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 said: "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."
Rooney 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. 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. 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."
Focus will now turn to Carrick's team selection for the Chelsea match. Fernandes was dropped from the Bournemouth game after criticising Carrick's tactics in the Champions League loss to Como and remained an unused substitute throughout.
