Manchester United

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick said Benjamin Sesko is going to be unavailable for "a long period of time", adding: "We have to go through the healing process to see how it reacts. Unfortunately, Benjamin has had to go through this again and to not have him available is obviously a blow."

• Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has "done a bit of training," and is around the group.

• On how he has been feeling since Sunday's home defeat by Bournemouth: "Disappointment from the game and the result, that is clear. Dealing with that and what we could have done better, what could we improve on and then getting back to training with the players, that has been my main focus, on how can we make the difference."

• When asked if he had spoken to, or had any reassurances from the club's hierarchy: "I don't need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position and the responsibilities and what comes with that."

• When asked if he is surprised that he is still in the job: "No, I am here to do my job and do my job for the team."

• He said he "doesn't see" the noise around his future, adding: "I see things I need to see, I don't look for it. It doesn't help in any way. I care what the supporters think and what it feels like in the stadium. I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job and what it brings."

• On 'clear-the-air talks' he had with Bruno Fernandes: "We're clear with the situation of the team and as a football club at the moment. He's an important player for this group. He has been and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference and we've got to push things in a good direction. He's fully committed to this football club and he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. 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."

• When asked if Fernandes will be captain for Saturday's match: "There is no decision to be made on that."

Hear more from Carrick on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Gary Neville says managers sometimes need to be sacked "for their own good" as he reflected on Manchester United's decision to persist with under-pressure Michael Carrick.

The club are 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, following a dismal 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.

Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after that loss, but the club have opted to give the 45-year-old head coach the opportunity to turn things around.

"I reckon what's happened in the 24 hours after Bournemouth is they have literally debated it back and forth," former Manchester United captain Neville said on the Stick To Football podcast.

"I don't know this, but I reckon they have debated it to the point where they have got themselves into a muddle and thought: 'We'll just stay with him.'

"I think staying with him is a result of lack of planning, lack of available options and lack of decision-making around the two people that probably are available - that's when you're really struggling.

"Sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good. I needed sacking at Valencia. I was happy they put me out of my misery."

It is understood that the club's hierarchy has explored the possibility of replacing Carrick, with former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann under consideration.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: "He can never say it publicly but I think Michael Carrick would want to be put out of his misery, I really do.

"The thought of going into that training ground now and trying to do that team talk before Chelsea, when you know the players just aren't having it at all.

"Those players know Carrick isn't going to be there in two or three weeks. He knows it, they know it, everybody knows it."

Read the full article here

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are winless in their last eight games in all competitions (D3 L5). They last had a longer run in October/November 1988 (9).

At the time, the UK charts was topped by the likes of U2 - with 'Desire' - and the late Whitney Houston with 'One Moment in Time'. Throw in a few weeks for Enya's hit 'Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)' and it was a great time for some melody. Just not perhaps, if you were a United fan.

In this nine-game winless run, Mark Hughes notched seven goals. Can anyone step up like he did and help Michael Carrick out of this tricky spot?

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It's the media conference most observers thought would not be happening in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.

Despite the cheers for head coach Michael Carrick, few thought Manchester United would stick with him for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.

After all, they had also lost 4-1 at Como in the Champions League four days earlier and are now on a run of eight games without a win, their worst since 2015-16.

But here we are. United are giving Carrick and his coaching staff a chance to turn things around.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is in contention to start at Stamford Bridge after clear-the-air talks with his boss. Striker Benjamin Sesko has been ruled out at least until January with a shin injury and Kobbie Mainoo is back training again.

Carrick prefers to speak to the media on a Thursday ahead of a Saturday away game, due to travel schedules.

So that is what he will be doing at 1400 GMT.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is expected to be out until at least January with a shin injury.

The 23-year-old has not featured for the club since their defeat by Brighton in the Carabao Cup on 16 September, when he was substituted in the 66th minute.

The Slovenia international required multiple tests to try to get to the bottom of the problem, with manager Michael Carrick frequently asking when he will be fit to return.

Sources say the issue is not shin splints but an impact injury, which is not quite the same as the initial problem.

Sesko missed all of pre-season with the complaint, which also plagued him last season and flared up against Liverpool in May, causing him to miss the final three Premier League matches.

His absence has been keenly felt as it has robbed Carrick of his only orthodox number nine.

Sesko has scored two goals this term, against Everton in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League. After that match he spoke about his relief at being injury free. Sadly that did not last.

Sesko will now miss crucial Premier League games, including meetings with Liverpool and Arsenal, and at least three matches in the Champions League.

Chelsea remain keen admirers of Everton's 24-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but face competition from Manchester United. (Football Insider), external

While Everton are considering a move for 28-year-old Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford. (Football Insider), external

United, Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs eyeing Como midfielder Nico Paz, although the Serie A side have no intention of selling the 22-year-old Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the 'clear-the-air' talks between head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes before Saturday's match against Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Ratheesh: I may be one of the few who thinks that the Man Utd hierarchy did the right thing to keep Michael Carrick rather than bowing to the player power. Still remains to be seen how the players respond - but first the fans and now the ownership have sided with Carrick, not the players. A truce talk is certainly a step in the right direction.

Nigel: When players come out and make the kind of pointed comments Bruno did last week it is usually with an ulterior motive. I think Bruno is trying to force his way out of the club and maybe any peace talks centred around him being allowed to leave as early as the January transfer window. If United are going to improve their current situation then they will need all their players, including Bruno, to pull together and fight for the club.

Peter: He's been United's best player for years. In their present position they can't afford to leave him out. I'm sure he's regretted his comments. Why make the situation worse by leaving him out?

Steve: I don't think Bruno should play for United again. He threw his manager under the bus. If he had a problem with the tactics, have a chat behind closed doors with him. It undermines the manager's authority, no player should be above the manager. I think Bruno disrupts the balance of the team, we won't have harmony in the dressing room until he goes.

Christine: Would this have happened with Sir Alex Ferguson? Definitely not. Carrick I hope made it very clear who is boss - but unfortunately I am not sure he would have done that. When Fernandes performs on the pitch, then he may have an opinion.

Image source, Getty Images

Head coach Michael Carrick and club captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks before Manchester United's trip to Chelsea.

The Portugal midfielder was an unused substitute for the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth after criticising Carrick's tactics following the 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the pair spoke privately at the club's training ground on Tuesday, with the talks aimed at airing issues.

What do you think was said during the talks - and do you think Fernandes will feature at Stamford Bridge?

Get in touch with your views here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The predicament at Manchester United is viewed by the club as not being entirely Michael Carrick's fault.

Senior figures feel Manchester United's players - a squad they think are capable of qualifying for the Champions League - are underperforming badly and should shoulder some of the blame.

There does seem to be a general desire to help Carrick out. One player told BBC Sport: "The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone."

It is not known if the "we" includes Fernandes, and BBC Sport has not been made aware of what, if any, conversations have taken place between the captain and his boss.

Obviously, it is easier to get rid of one manager and his backroom team than an entire squad of players - and if results do not turn around, Carrick will pay the price.

One former senior United official told BBC Sport: "Ordinarily, Michael would have gone. The last two performances were unacceptable and team discipline is broken. Not doing it is fascinating and risky."

Cynics may argue the main reason Carrick is still in a job is because of the inability to secure a replacement before the Chelsea game.

Additionally, some of the coaches that Under-18s boss Darren Fletcher called on to help him during his spell as interim manager in January are now part of the senior set-up.

As highlighted by BBC Sport on Monday, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann were among the options explored by United as they weighed up whether to make a change.

Any decision to appoint Howe would trigger a multi-million pound compensation payment to his former club Newcastle.

Some observers think compensation payments may be a factor in United's reluctance to make a change, given the sums that have previously gone on hiring and firing coaches.

BBC Sport has also been told former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is willing to have a conversation about the job, although there has been no direct contact.

That trio are all out of work - as is Kieran McKenna, who worked with Carrick as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching team at United and then left for Ipswich.

Read more here

Manchester United had planned to sack Michael Carrick this week but failed to settle on a replacement. (The I - subscription required), external

Manchester United would have to pay Newcastle about £3m in compensation if they choose to appoint Eddie Howe in the event of a managerial vacancy at Old Trafford. (Guardian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It may be a difficult time at Manchester United just now but the club were still able to offer some joy to fans attending the club's Foundation's latest Dream Day at their Carrington training ground.

Supporters with life-limiting illnesses were at the twice-yearly event, which was attended by head coach Michael Carrick, skipper Bruno Fernandes and other first team stars.

"It's always a very proud moment for us to make their day," said Fernandes.

"They are always so positive and have such kind words. That energy goes both ways and this is what Manchester United is all about. It is part of the culture of the club."

One supporter, Michael, travelled with his son Oscar, who was born with a rare condition, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, from Scotland for the event.

"It's hard to put into words, it's really emotional," said Michael.

"Oscar is still in disbelief at meeting the players, but it means the absolute world. It's probably the best experience of my life to be honest."

Image source, Getty Images

Kai Rooney scored four goals for Manchester United under-18s as they beat Burnley 6-0 on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old forward, who is the son of Wayne Rooney, completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark before getting his fourth just three minutes later.

It takes Rooney's tally to five goals and one assist in three appearances.

Earlier this month, he made his debut for the club's under-21 team in their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton says he is "surprised" Michael Carrick is still Manchester United boss after winning just two of their first 12 games in all competitions.

Carrick's side have had a wretched start to the season with only one league win from eight and they currently sit one point above the relegation zone in 16th.

Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "I think the question that Jason Wilcox and [Omar] Berrarda will have been asking each other is, 'will we get any better under Michael Carrick if he stays on?'

"And that's hard to say based on what we've seen this season. And that isn't to say that's all Michael Carrick's fault.

"I'm surprised right now that he is still in the job based on performances this season."

On the fans at Old Trafford applauding Carrick off after the defeat by Bournemouth but booing the players, he said: "That was very unusual. I'm trying to rack my brain on managers I've got sacked over the years and thinking of occasions like that where a manager who's under the pump was applauded off and the players were booed. I can't think of another one.

"I don't necessarily think that has bought him time because you would like to think the decision-makers would have to see through that and look at what is going on on the pitch and also within the dressing room. And when I say that, it's clearly not a happy and harmonious dressing room."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Former Tottenham and England forward Andros Townsend believes the current crop of Manchester United players are "struggling with being at one of the biggest clubs in the world" because of a lack of mental strength.

The performances of the squad have been questioned in recent weeks and the fans booed the team off the pitch after their latest disappointing display in the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Townsend said: "I think the problem is now Man United are still one of the best clubs in the world and still have have that massive expectation, but at the moment they're not able to attract that level of player that have that mental strength that are able to be 2-0 down against Bournemouth and have that mental strength to get on the ball and still play.

"I think they're caught in a situation where now you look at their team, they don't have the world-class players with the world-class mentality and they're struggling with being at one of the biggest clubs in the world and being expected to win every game."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

In Pat Nevin's latest newsletter, he was asked - Manchester United have a tough-looking run of games coming up. Is it farcical to think they could find themselves in a real relegation battle this season? (Mark)

Mark, I will be totally honest with you and say that I was pondering the very same question just as Evanilson curled in the third goal on Sunday.

In the Premier League, if you do not do better than a point a game, you are officially in a relegation fight. United currently have seven points from eight games. It is of course early days but as you correctly note, even on good form, the run of games coming up would not be comfortable.

Away at Chelsea is tough, even if they wobbled at the weekend without Joao Pedro. Chelsea are also not encumbered by European football so could be fresher. After that it's Aston Villa, who, having beaten Man City, clearly have their mojo back after a difficult start. Liverpool at Anfield is the last thing United need while struggling to get any spirit together in the group. You do not win at Anfield unless you have a spirited performance and a team willing to fight from start to finish as a unit.

On top of this, they have Roma and Sporting Lisbon to face, and considering the lashing they got from Como, those aren't going to be straightforward and will drain them whatever happens.

So could they drop into the bottom three? The answer is yes they could, they are only a point above the zone just now. Once you are down there, it can be extraordinarily hard to dig yourself out, especially if fear grows and confidence withers.

Will it happen? Will they be in and around the bottom three next April and May? I suspect not, but unless they fix the ethos within the entire club structure, unless they remember how to run and fight for every point, unless they make the right decision regarding the manager, then it is not beyond the bounds of possibility.

Everyone else around them will be fighting tooth and claw and sometimes that is enough to save you.

There is a phrase within business – responsibility without control or authority leads to failure. That is what too many football managers have to live with now. Meanwhile, control without immediate responsibility and consequences sits in the comfy boardroom seats above them.

The first seeds of a changing landscape were sown when West Ham fans saw through this nonsense for what it was and turned on their sporting director.

Five years in, irate Chelsea fans have adapted their club's philosophy in a similar way, so Xabi Alonso gets more control than the previous coaches, for the moment anyway.

I am saddened for Michael Carrick today but there is a large part of me that also thinks 'you are probably better away from there mate'. Fine coaches have been made to look ridiculous under their methodology.

Maybe they will finally give the next coach a decent level of control, especially regarding signings, and also some time to build.

Somehow, I doubt it though. People with power tend to grimly hold on to it.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.