Manchester United give Michael Carrick more time despite poor run of results

Manchester United have decided to give manager Michael Carrick more time to improve the team's performance despite a series of poor results. The Sporting News' Laurie Whitwell reports that this decision was made after a significant meeting between the club’s senior leaders on Monday. Carrick's position was precarious following the team's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, which was their second consecutive defeat by a margin of three goals.

The club's previous defeat was a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. United has only gathered seven points from their opening eight league matches, marking their worst start to a top-flight season in 40 years. Despite these challenges, Carrick was retained as manager and was present at the Carrington training ground on Monday to observe the Under-21s' match against Hull City.

He later returned to his managerial duties. Carrick is set to lead the team in the upcoming match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Captain Bruno Fernandes was absent from the starting lineup in the Bournemouth game, reportedly due to 'purely sporting reasons.' Fernandes had previously questioned Carrick's tactics following their loss to Como.

Additionally, Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club's recruitment strategy in an emotional interview after the same match. United supporters continued to support Carrick after the latest defeat, cheering him as he walked around the pitch and directing their frustration at the players instead. Carrick took over as manager permanently in May after a successful temporary stint.

Under his guidance, the team earned 39 points from their last 17 league matches and reached third place.