Manchester United keep Carrick in charge after eight-game winless run

Manchester United have decided to retain Michael Carrick as head coach, with the 45-year-old set to lead the team at Chelsea on Saturday, according to BBC Sport. Club sources told the broadcaster that Carrick would be given an opportunity to improve results after a poor start to the season, rather than being removed following Sunday's defeat by Bournemouth.

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Carrick took training on Tuesday as United sought a response to eight consecutive matches without a victory in all competitions. The 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth added to that sequence and intensified scrutiny of his position. United have won only one of their opening eight Premier League matches, a sharp reversal from the results that secured Carrick the permanent role.

He initially took over on an interim basis in January after Ruben Amorim's departure. United subsequently finished third and qualified for the Champions League, with Carrick appointed permanently in May. That recovery established the basis for his longer-term appointment, but the current campaign has brought difficulties in both domestic and European competition.

A 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid earlier this month prompted defender Lisandro Martinez to criticise the club's board over investment. Captain Bruno Fernandes then questioned Carrick's tactics after United lost 4-1 to Como in their next Champions League fixture. The two defeats preceded the Bournemouth match and added to the pressure surrounding the team.

Fernandes was named among the substitutes against Bournemouth and did not come on. After the match, supporters chanted Carrick's name before directing boos at the players once he had left the pitch, BBC Sport reported. Carrick subsequently told Sky Sports that his gesture towards the Stretford End had not been a farewell, while acknowledging that performances and results had fallen short.

The decision leaves Carrick preparing for Stamford Bridge, but BBC Sport reported that no timescale had been attached to his opportunity to turn the situation around. United face Roma in the Champions League three days after the Chelsea game, followed by a league meeting with Aston Villa before the international break. Carrick is due to address the media on Thursday.