Carrick under pressure as Man Utd slump continues with Bournemouth defeat
Manchester United's 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth leaves manager Michael Carrick's future in serious doubt, with fans backing him while directing anger at the players and hierarchy.
Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United manager is under major threat after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth extended a poor start to the season. United have won just one of their eight Premier League matches and sit 16th, 14 points off the top. They have not won in the league since beating newly promoted Ipswich 5-2 on 30 August.
Carrick, 45, took interim charge in January after Ruben Amorim's departure and was given the permanent job in May after securing Champions League qualification and a third-place finish. Asked about his future after the Bournemouth loss, he told Sky Sports the situation was tough and that he did not know what would come next, adding that he would continue to do his best for the club.
The defeat followed a turbulent week. Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes to the bench on Sunday after the midfielder questioned his tactics in the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez had earlier apologised for remarks criticising the club's hierarchy, saying he expected more investment in the squad and more from technical director Jason Wilcox.
Carrick, who made 464 appearances for United over 12 years as a player, remains popular with supporters, who sang his song at full-time as he applauded them. He said the lap of the pitch was not a farewell and described mixed emotions over the support. Chants backing Carrick turned to boos once he left the pitch, with the frustration apparently aimed at the players and hierarchy.
Former United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports that supporters know what is likely to happen and that the owners, sporting department and players have let the club down, calling the situation "an absolute mess." Clinton Morrison said the fans are with Carrick but not the players, while Ashley Young said the players showed nothing and did not look like a team.
Sections of the crowd directed their anger at the players and hierarchy rather than the manager. The article also included supporters' reaction: some fans chanted in support of Carrick while appearing to turn on the players and the club's leadership.
Image: AFP via Getty Images / BBC Sport
