**_LONDON_**: Michael Carrick insisted he was “carrying on as normal” after Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth but the manager appeared increasingly vulnerable after a result that left Old Trafford engulfed in anger.
Asked if he expected to still be in charge next week, Carrick offered no guarantees. He said: “Of course, I take responsibility. Whatever’s going to happen, results-wise, whether we win, we lose, draw, whatever happens – the responsibility is mine.”
Pressed on whether he expected to be sacked in the coming days, Carrick said: “I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal, and I love this place.
“I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really.”
Carrick led a resurgent United to third place last season after replacing Ruben Amorim but they have won only twice in 12 matches this campaign across all competitions, and have not won in the top flight since they defeated promoted Ipswich on August 30.
Sunday’s defeat left them with seven points from eight league matches, and just a point above the drop zone, their worst return at this stage of a season since 1986-87.
The fans largely reserved their sympathy for Carrick, singing “It’s Carrick you know!” late in the game.
But once the 45-year-old tapped a hand to his heart and disappeared down the post-game tunnel, those chants gave way to loud boos directed at the players.
The pressure on Carrick was intensified by his decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench four days after the Portugal midfielder publicly criticised United’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.
The third goal summed up the chaos. After United lost possession high up the pitch, goalkeeper Senne Lammens raced from his area but completely misjudged a long ball forward, allowing Evanilson to loft the ball into an unguarded net.
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