Plenty thought that Michael Carrick was destined for the exit door following the post-match scenes after Manchester United’s last game.
The Red Devils manager looked a tortured soul as he marched towards the tunnel, with the rather strange juxtaposition of United fans serenading him despite having just seen their side been well and truly beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth.
The fallout from that defeat was loud and it was assumed only a matter of time before Carrick was relieved of his duties. Yet here he is, still in position and ready to take the team, perhaps unexpectedly, for the lunchtime trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Carrick says he has tried to block out all “the noise” surrounding his future this week. Multiple prominent pundits, including ex-United stars Gary Neville and Roy Keane have waded into the debate.
The man himself, though, says he takes little to no notice of it all: “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 his immediate future and any potential concerns that his reign is nearing its end, he said: “I don’t need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position and the responsibilities and what comes with that. So, I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard.”
Asked if he was surprised to still be in position, Carrick added: “No. I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do the best for the team, and I’m desperate to make us better and improve things. So, I’m not surprised, no.”
It is unclear whether Bruno Fernandes will return to the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge after his public falling out with his manager. Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth and Carrick maintains there is “no issue” between him and his star man.
As for Chelsea, they enter this game off the back of two straight defeats. Xabi Alonso’s side lost to Tottenham in the league last week before a Carabao Cup exit midweek at the hands of Liverpool, on penalties.
Alonso drew some criticism at Anfield for opting not to Estevao off the bench to inject some fresh urgency into their attack with the game heading for spot-kicks.
He responded, saying: “Este has played, for sure, it’s his second season. But he had the injury and he’s in that process. Trust me, I’m sure the season is going to be long and Este is going to play his role. I’m sure that Este will have his moment. It’s my responsibility and we need to deal with that.”
Mike Penders is likely to continue in goal against United after a stellar showing on Wednesday night as he pulled off a clutch of good saves to atone for his error-strewn display against Spurs.
His manager said: “Mike looked really solid, with good composure. Like he had dealt well with Saturday. This is what it takes in this job, to overcome difficult situations. And he did quite well.”
