Michael Carrick makes Manchester United future admission ahead of Chelsea clash

Carrick confirmed as Manchester United manager for Chelsea trip after surviving the axe following a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.

Michael Carrick has been retained as Manchester United manager despite intense speculation about his future following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. The club held a meeting of senior officials on Monday and decided to keep the head coach in place for the foreseeable future.

Carrick, appointed permanently in the summer after an impressive interim spell, has overseen eight consecutive games without a win, leaving United 16th in the Premier League. When asked if he was surprised to still have his job, the former midfielder responded: "No, no, I'm here to do my job and I'm desperate to improve things."

The manager insisted he required no assurances from the club and dismissed media speculation, saying he focuses only on what supporters see on the pitch. United face Chelsea in London this weekend as they begin a difficult run of fixtures.