Carrick survives sack threat after 4-1 Champions League humiliation by Como

Manchester United will not sack Michael Carrick before Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, the club’s hierarchy has decided, following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday night.

The result left United with only two victories in 11 games across all competitions this season and heaped enormous pressure on Carrick, who has been in charge since the summer. He will hold a press conference on Saturday ahead of the Bournemouth fixture.

Carrick’s position came under further scrutiny after he publicly criticised his players’ attitude following the Como defeat and became embroiled in a visible disagreement with captain Bruno Fernandes on the touchline.

“We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight, I wouldn’t say everyone, but the way we went about it in some ways tonight wasn’t acceptable,” Carrick said after the final whistle. “And I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure.”

The United manager was candid about what troubled him most, pointing beyond the scoreline to the manner of the performance. “It wasn’t just the goals, if I’m totally honest. It was the manner and the way we played at times, in the way we went about it, that was the difficult thing to watch for me.”

Carrick also stressed his personal commitment to the role. “It’s not about playing for me, it’s about playing for this football club. It’s the responsibility that comes with being in the position; I’m responsible for the football club and the supporters. I’m giving my best, absolute best all the time, I care about it. My whole life’s wrapped around it.”

Despite the reprieve, the situation remains fragile. Former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has emerged as a name of interest to United should they decide to make a change in the coming weeks, and it is understood Nagelsmann would be open to an approach.