Carrick stays in charge at Man United and backs Fernandes before Chelsea trip

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will lead the team at Chelsea on Saturday despite widespread speculation that he was about to be sacked, and has publicly backed club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Carrick said he was not surprised to still be in his post. "No, I am here to do the best for the team, and I am desperate to make us better and improve things, so I'm not surprised, no," he said.

Asked whether he needed assurances about his future, he replied: "I don't need assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that."

Pressure after worst league start in 40 years

Carrick's position came under intense scrutiny after a run of eight games without a win. A 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth left United one point above the Premier League relegation zone. The 20-time English champions have won two of 12 matches in all competitions this season, and seven points from eight league games is their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.

Carrick was widely expected to be dismissed this week but remains in charge after the club's hierarchy showed support for him.

He also addressed the position of Fernandes, the Portugal midfielder who was left on the bench for the Bournemouth defeat after criticising Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 thrashing by Como.

"He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that," Carrick said. He described leaving Fernandes out as a "decision for the game" and said the player was "fully committed to this football club".

Former United captain Gary Neville, who played alongside Carrick at Old Trafford, said on Thursday that "sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good". Carrick insisted he would not walk away from the job.

"I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think," he said. "I know this job, I know what it brings."

Carrick was given a two-year deal in May after a caretaker spell in which United finished third in the Premier League and returned to the Champions League, following a difficult period under manager Ruben Amorim.

He said his players share the supporters' frustration. "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."

Source: Al Jazeera.