Michael Carrick to stay in charge of Manchester United for Chelsea trip

Michael Carrick will remain in charge of Manchester United for Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, despite mounting pressure after the club’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.

United’s head coach had been seen as close to losing his job following that result, but the club have decided to give him and the squad at least one more game to respond. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada were at Carrington on Monday for discussions about Carrick’s future, with alternatives for the role already understood to have been under consideration.

Carrick took training on Tuesday, and the decision has now been made for him to lead the team into Saturday lunchtime’s fixture. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are among the names viewed as possible replacements if United decide to make a change.

The situation is urgent. United travel to Chelsea without a win in eight matches in all competitions, and the 13-time Premier League champions are only one point and two places above the relegation zone. After the Chelsea match, they face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday November 3 before hosting Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday November 8.

Supporters at Old Trafford made clear where much of their frustration lies during the Bournemouth loss. Matchgoing fans showed backing for Carrick, a former United midfielder, before booing the players after another damaging performance.

Carrick also faces a major selection decision over Bruno Fernandes. The United captain was left out against Bournemouth after criticising the coaching staff’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Carrick must now decide whether to restore the Portuguese midfielder to the starting line-up at Chelsea.

Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, are fifth in the table and sit six points above United after eight matches. They go into the fixture after a 2-0 home defeat by rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Carrick was appointed United boss in January 2026 on a deal until the end of that season after Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier in the campaign. He oversaw a strong run, winning 12 of 17 matches, guiding United to third place in the Premier League and securing a return to the Champions League. Since Jim Ratcliffe became a part owner and took control of football operations nearly three years ago, United have already dismissed Amorim and Erik ten Hag during seasons.