MICHAEL CARRICK will remain in the dugout as Manchester United head coach when Bournemouth make the trip to Old Trafford today.
Pressure is starting to mount on the 45-year-old’s shoulders following a disappointing start to the season.
Last Wednesday night’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como was the latest in a string of dismal performances from the current crop of United stars, while the team’s hierarchy acknowledge they could have provided greater backing.
Carrick’s side have taken just two victories from 11 games in all competitions this season.
There are growing signs of unrest within the dressing room, with comments from Bruno Fernandes regarding tactics indicating that all is far from well at Old Trafford.
Unlike Lisandro Martinez, it appears Fernandes will escape without being compelled to apologise, face internal sanctions or be stripped of the captain’s armband following his outburst.
Ahead of the defeat in Italy, Carrick appeared untroubled by his future prospects and is said to remain of the same mind.
However, club bosses may see things differently and are reportedly weighing up a change, with Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hurzeler among the names being considered as potential replacements.
Meanwhile, Carrick says his Man United players have to earn the right to be better than the opposition ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash with Bournemouth.
Speaking at his press conference, Carrick said: “I think it’s pretty clear as day. I’m not telling you anything new.
“I haven’t definitely invented anything new. That’s the makeup of any good football team. You have to earn the right to be better than your opponent.
“You have to do more than your opponent to win a game. That’s as simple as that. It doesn’t change. It never changes. That’s what we need to do to win more games.” — Manchestereveningnews.co.uk
