Manchester United’s manager Michael Carrick said he is “not surprised” to remain in charge after a series of meetings with the club’s hierarchy, even as the team has gone eight straight games without a win and opened the Premier League campaign with its worst start in four decades. Carrick, who signed a two‑year contract earlier this summer following a brief spell as caretaker after Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, was widely expected to be dismissed after a 3‑0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. However, the club confirmed on Monday that he will retain his role for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
Carrick’s comments come after a tense week in which United’s board and senior staff deliberated over the manager’s future. “No, I am here to do my job and do my job for the team,” he told reporters, adding that he is “desperate to make us better and improve things.” He explained that after the Bournemouth loss he had no expectations of a different outcome and that he was focused on analysing the performance and determining what needed to change. “There was no hiding that the dynamics in the stadium were a bit different from normal,” he said, noting that his mind was “going through that and digesting it” as he considered how to move forward.
Despite the uncertainty that surrounded his position, Carrick made it clear that he has not sought any assurances from the club’s hierarchy. “I don’t need any assurances from anyone,” he said. “I totally get the position, get the job, the responsibilities and what comes with that.” He stressed that he is focused on the supporters and the atmosphere in the stadium, rather than external noise or speculation. “I care what the supporters think, what it feels like in the stadium. I genuinely don’t take any notice of anything else,” he added.
United’s current form has seen the team struggle to find consistency, and the club’s poor start has reignited calls for a change in leadership. Yet the decision to keep Carrick in charge signals that the board still believes in his ability to steer the team back to stability. The next week will see United travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, a match that could provide a much‑needed confidence boost if the team can secure a positive result. How Carrick will address the tactical and morale issues that have plagued United will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike as the season progresses.