Michael Carrick keeps his job as Man Utd chiefs give under-fire boss another chance

Vanguaid

Manchester United chiefs have decided to leave Michael Carrick in charge for Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea after holding crisis talks

Michael Carrick arriving to Carrington this morning(Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/Press Association)

Michael Carrick has been given a stay of execution by Manchester United.

Carrick had been widely expected to be sacked following the dreadful 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. But he survived crisis talks at Carrington on Monday and took training as usual on Tuesday ahead of a crunch Premier League game against Chelsea this weekend.

United have won just two of their 12 matches in all competitions season. They sit 16th in the Premier League, having taken just seven points from eight games - the club's worst start since 1986/87.

The club have considered replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, but have decided to stick rather than twist for now. Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell are reportedly split over Carrick's successor, with the former preferring Howe and the latter favouring Nagelsmann.

Carrick admitted that he was unsure over his position after overseeing the second heavy and embarrassing defeat on Sunday. "It's a tough situation, there's no hiding from it," he told Sky Sports when asked about his future.

"But what it looks like and what's next, I really don't know. I will always do what's best for this football club, I've said it all along and I don't change that now. I love what I do, I love the position I'm in. I feel the responsibility but we'll have to wait and see."

Carrick was summoned to Carrington on Monday for talks with club chiefs and returned early on Tuesday morning. He is taking training as usual ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Chelsea.