Michael Carrick ‘unsurprised’ by Man United decision over future as manager

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Michael Carrick has insisted he is not surprised to still be Manchester United manager and said he does not need any assurances from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Carrick’s job has come under threat after a run of eight games without a win, culminating in heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth.

But while the United powerbrokers held talks this week, they decided to keep the 45-year-old in his post for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea as they opted to give him the chance to turn their fortunes around.

Carrick had denied he was waving farewell to United when he went off the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday and claimed he did not expect to be fired.

“No, I am here to do my job and do my job for the team,” he said. “So, I’m not surprised, no.

“I don’t need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that. So, I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard.”

Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox appointed Carrick on an interim basis in January and then gave him a two-year contract as manager in the summer.

They could consider the cases of Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte if they dismiss Carrick but have allowed the former Middlesbrough manager the opportunity to get United back to winning ways.

And Carrick claims his team are disappointed after their slump and determined to put things right.

“I have to say, the boys are hungry,” he said. “We’re hurting because we haven’t won enough football games, but there’s an intensity, there’s a bit of an edge, there’s a disappointment, there’s a hunger to do better, for sure.”

Carrick also confirmed Bruno Fernandes has kept the captaincy after holding clear-the-air talks with the midfielder.

Fernandes was left on the bench for the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth but is expected to return for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

“He’s an important player for this group,” said Carrick. “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.”

Carrick could welcome back Kobbie Mainoo after the England midfielder returned to training, but Benjamin Sesko remains out long term.

“Unfortunately Ben is out for a long period of time,” Carrick added. “We had to go through the process, healing process to see how it would react, we’re still working through it. First and foremost, try and get through it, going through this again, to not have him available, it’s obviously a blow.

“Kobbie did a little bit of training, he’s back and around the group, which is a positive.”