Carrick to remain Manchester United boss for Chelsea trip, BBC reports

Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United into Saturday's Premier League match at Chelsea, according to BBC Sport. The broadcaster reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that the 45-year-old would be given an opportunity to improve results after a difficult opening to the season, rather than being replaced before the trip.

Watch the highlights:

Carrick took training on Tuesday morning with United seeking their first victory in nine matches across all competitions. BBC Sport reported that Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth had cast doubt over his position, but its sources said he would have a chance to revive the team's fortunes.

The scale of the setback is reflected in United's league record. Opta reported that they have seven points from eight matches, with one victory, four draws and three defeats. That is their lowest points total at this stage of a league campaign since 1986-87, when they had collected four.

United's own account of the Bournemouth defeat recorded goals from Rayan and Marcus Tavernier before half-time, followed by Evanilson's second-half finish. Carrick made four changes to the team beaten at Como in midweek, bringing in Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Carlos Baleba and Amad for the Old Trafford fixture.

The club's match report also confirmed that Bruno Fernandes remained among the unused substitutes. Matheus Cunha came on at half-time, while Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey were introduced later, but United finished without a goal. Bournemouth's third came after Evanilson reached a long pass ahead of goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Opta's figures put the result into a wider home context: Bournemouth have scored 18 goals in 10 Premier League visits to Old Trafford. The defeat was also United's heaviest at home in the competition since Bournemouth won there by the same 3-0 scoreline in December 2024.

The current difficulties contrast with Carrick's initial spell in charge. BBC Sport noted that he took over on an interim basis in January after Ruben Amorim's departure, then secured the permanent role in May following a third-place finish and qualification for the Champions League.