Manchester United: Gary Neville reveals surprise after Michael Carrick sack prediction

Neville admits surprise that Carrick survived the sack after United's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but backs the decision to give him another chance against Chelsea.

Gary Neville expected Michael Carrick to be sacked following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, but the manager has survived to take charge of Saturday's Premier League match at Chelsea.

United have won just two games this season and are winless in their last eight across all competitions, leading to speculation that managers including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte could replace Carrick. The club's embarrassing Champions League loss to Como four days before the Bournemouth defeat added to the pressure.

However, the club have decided to give Carrick and his squad the opportunity to turn their form around. Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, said he was "absolutely certain" Carrick would be dismissed but expressed happiness at the decision to retain him. "I hope he can get somehow those players to start playing for him again because they haven't played for him in the last few weeks," Neville said.