Michael Carrick Remains Manchester United Manager Amidst Continued Struggles
Michael Carrick has expressed that he is not shocked by the decision to keep him on as manager of Manchester United this week, noting he does not require any guarantees from the club’s management.
Carrick’s position has faced scrutiny following a dismal streak of eight games without a victory, culminating in heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth.
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Despite discussions among United’s decision-makers this week, they have opted to retain the 45-year-old for the upcoming match against Chelsea, allowing him the opportunity to improve the team’s form.
Michael Carrick is not surprised he remains in a job (PA)
Carrick clarified that he did not say goodbye to United when leaving the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday and maintained he did not foresee being dismissed.
“No, I am here to do my job and do my job for the team,” he remarked. “So, I am not surprised, no.
“I don’t need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that. So, I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard.”
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Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox initially appointed Carrick on an interim basis in January, later extending his contract to two years as the permanent manager in the summer.
If Carrick were to be dismissed, the club could evaluate potential replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte, but they have decided to give the manager a chance to turn around the team’s performance.
According to Carrick, his players feel the disappointment from their recent struggles and are eager to improve. “I have to say, the boys are hungry,” he stated. “We’re hurting because we haven’t won enough football games, but there’s an intensity, there’s a bit of an edge, there’s a disappointment, there’s a hunger to do better, for sure.”
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Carrick might welcome back Kobbie Mainoo, following his return to training, although Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined for an extended period.
“Unfortunately, Ben is out for a long period of time,” Carrick explained. “We had to go through the process, healing process to see how it would react, we’re still working through it. First and foremost, try and get through it, going through this again, to not have him available, it’s obviously a blow.
“Kobbie did a little bit of training, he’s back and around the group, which is a positive.”
