Youri Tielemans has publicly backed Michael Carrick to turn Manchester United's season around, urging the club's hierarchy to keep faith in the under-pressure head coach.
Carrick unexpectedly retained his job on Tuesday, despite speculation that he would be dismissed after two heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth in quick succession. United officials had considered Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as potential successors before deciding to stand by Carrick for now.
Struggles on the pitch
United have won just two of their 12 fixtures across all competitions and sit 16th in the Premier League table, having collected seven points from their first eight league games. It is the club's worst start to a league season in 40 years.
Their only victories this campaign have come against newly promoted Ipswich and Champions League minnows Sabah. They have managed just one clean sheet all season and are currently on an eight-match winless streak.
Tielemans calls for stability
Speaking to TNT Sports, Tielemans said he joined United partly because of Carrick's desire to bring him to the club. "I came here partly because of him, because he wanted me here," he said. "He wanted me to help the team out. So I'm very happy for him to stay, and the whole group, we don't want a sudden change."
"We don't want a big change that is going to disrupt things more than they are. We just need stability, we need to keep working hard, and it's going to turn at some point."
Tielemans, who arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million during the summer transfer window, praised Carrick's work behind the scenes. "Since I've come in, he's always done his work," the Belgium international added. "He's tried to put a system in place that we all feel comfortable in. I joined this summer, because he convinced me to come over and help the team out."
"I can only speak positively about him, and everyone in the changing room would do the same. We all just need to stick together and turn this situation around."
Unity in the squad
Carrick's position has been complicated by recent public statements from Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes, hinting at tension within the squad. Carrick held clear-the-air talks with United captain Fernandes this week, and Tielemans believes the group remains united.
"Everyone is like they are. It's just a case of trying to do that in the right tone, the right moment," he said. "There has been a lot of talk about it, obviously, so I'm not going to go into this much further. But it shows that everyone cares. We all want to turn these things around."
"We want to win games. We're all winners, and when frustration builds up, you might have different words and different opinions, which is totally normal. As long as it stays in the group, that's the best part."
Carrick faces a crucial Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Saturday as he looks to halt United's slide.
