Friday, October 30, 2026 - Under-pressure Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said Thursday he was “here to do my job” as he insisted he needed “no assurances” over his future at Old Trafford.
Carrick also stated he was unsurprised to still be in charge
following a woeful run of results and offered his backing to club captain Bruno
Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder was left on the bench for last
Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth following earlier criticism of
tactics in a 4-1 loss against Como.
Carrick’s position has faced intense scrutiny after a
miserable streak of eight matches without a win. Sunday’s humbling loss at home
to Bournemouth left the club just one point above the Premier League relegation
zone.
Manchester United have won only two of 12 matches across all
competitions this season, with a tally of seven points from eight league
fixtures representing their worst start to a campaign in 40 years.
Despite the slump, Carrick remains at the helm and sounded a
defiant note ahead of Saturday’s fixture away to Chelsea. Asked if he was
surprised to remain in his post, he told reporters:
“No. I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do the best for the
team. I’m desperate to make things better and improve things. I’m not
surprised, no.”
Carrick was equally adamant that he did not require public
backing from the United hierarchy
“I don’t need assurances from anyone,” he added. “I totally
get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with
that.”
Addressing Fernandes's role, Carrick clarified that benching
him against Bournemouth was purely a tactical decision for the match.
“That’s it. Bruno is fully committed to this football club.
I’ve got no issues with that, we move forward. We’re looking forward to the
game at the weekend now.”
Carrick continues to retain support from sections of the Old
Trafford crowd, receiving warm applause from fans as he walked down the tunnel
after the Bournemouth defeat.
However, a chorus of boos erupted moments later as the
players departed the pitch, reflecting growing supporter dissatisfaction with
squad performances.
Former United captain Gary Neville noted earlier Thursday
that “sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good,” but Carrick
insisted he has no intention of stepping down.
“I genuinely don’t take any notice of anything else. I know
this job and I know what we need to be better. I don’t need anyone else to tell
me… I’ve said it before, I care about what the supporters think… I care about
what we give them and what they see.”
He further insisted that his squad shares his determination
to turn the season around.
“The boys are hungry,” he said. “We’re hurting because we
haven’t won enough football games. But there is an intensity, an edge, a hunger
to do better.”
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