Gary Neville has admitted he is surprised Manchester United have decided to keep Michael Carrick as head coach following the team's poor start to the season, but says he is happy the club have given him more time to turn things around.
Many had expected United to part ways with the 45-year-old after a dismal run of results, yet the club hierarchy have instead offered him their support. Carrick appeared resigned to his fate as he walked around the pitch alone at full time following Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, but he remains in charge.
Neville's reaction to Carrick staying
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: "I'm happy. I'm surprised but I'm happy because I was absolutely certain what I witnessed on Sunday would be the end of Michael."
He added: "It looked like when he was walking around at the end on his own, with his players behind him, that it was a goodbye lap. He was waving to the fans in an almost apologetic manner but also as a goodbye. I am surprised that ultimately still in a job, but I'm happy with it because it was very difficult on Sunday."
Neville also expressed uncertainty about what lies ahead, saying: "How it's going to go over the next couple of weeks, I have no idea. I hope he can get those players playing for him because they haven't played for him in the last few weeks."
Pressure mounts after Bournemouth loss
Carrick had been widely tipped to lose his job following the defeat to Bournemouth, but he came through emergency discussions at Carrington on Monday and led training as normal on Tuesday ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.
United have won just two of their 12 fixtures across all competitions this season. They sit 16th in the Premier League with only seven points from eight matches, the club's poorest opening since 1986/87.
Replacement options explored
The club have explored potential replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, but have opted to persevere with Carrick for the time being. Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell are said to be divided over a successor, with the former backing Howe and the latter supporting Nagelsmann.
After Sunday's defeat, Carrick told Sky Sports: "It's a tough situation, there's no hiding from it. 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. I love what I do, I love the position I'm in. I feel the responsibility but we'll have to wait and see."
Carrick was called to Carrington on Monday for discussions with club bosses and returned early on Tuesday morning. He is overseeing training as normal ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Chelsea.
