Carrick tells players 'hard truth' in attempt to turn Manchester United's season around

Carrick has held his job after Sunday's loss to Bournemouth and will attempt to turn around United's season, starting with Chelsea on Saturday, after difficult conversations with hierarchy and players.

Michael Carrick has had frank discussions with Manchester United's hierarchy and players this week as the club attempts to recover from a turbulent start to the season. United have not won in eight games and sit 16th in the league, just one point above the relegation zone, after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth on Sunday.

Carrick's position came under threat following that defeat but he has retained his job and been given the opportunity to turn things around. He described his conversations with director of football Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and the players as "not always rosy" but necessary. "It's the hard truth at times and it's what we need to move forward," Carrick said.

Despite supporters booing the players after Sunday's poor performance, Carrick emphasised unity. "I'm with the players 100% and we're all in it together," he said. "This is my football club so we have to all be in it together, and that's the supporters included." United face Chelsea on Saturday in their bid to end the winless run.