**_LONDON_**: Michael Carrick is still in charge of Manchester United and led training at Carrington after his position was left hanging by a thread following Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.
United are without a win in eight matches in all competitions and sit one point above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th place.
Senior club officials held talks on Monday amid increasing speculation over Carrick’s position but no decision was announced and the former United midfielder reported for work as normal, overseeing preparations for Saturday’s league trip to Chelsea.
A club source said Carrick and his players will have the opportunity to turn the situation around, with the club focused on preparing for Saturday and showing a response on the pitch.
Amid Sunday’s frustration at Old Trafford, supporters levelled their anger at the players rather than the manager. As Carrick made his way towards the tunnel after the final whistle, thousands of fans sang his name and applauded him. The mood shifted seconds later when cheers turned to angry boos as the players made their way off the pitch.
Carrick has repeatedly accepted responsibility for the team’s struggles while shielding his players from scrutiny.
“I totally understand the situation,” he said after Sunday’s loss. “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.”
The pressure on Carrick was intensified last week by his decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench four days after the Portugal midfielder publicly criticised United’s tactics after a 4-1 Champions League loss at Como.
Fans have also aimed their anger at the club’s hierarchy in part-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive officer Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
United face a tough string of games in fifth-placed Chelsea, followed by Roma (Champions League), Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Carrick is United’s seventh permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are possible candidates to replace him.
###