Michael Carrick admits: 'I don't know what lies ahead'

Michael Carrick finds himself on the brink of the sack at Old Trafford after Manchester United extended their winless run to eight matches. The manager confirmed he held talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox immediately after the dismal 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, though his future remains up in the air.

"They just came down briefly, as they always do after a game, but there was nothing out of the ordinary," the manager explained.

"For me, it didn't feel like a goodbye," the boss added following Sunday's home collapse. "I have mixed emotions. I feel for the players because they're going through a rough patch. That's the way things are going right now, and the lads are feeling it."

"It's a difficult situation, and there's no point pretending otherwise. I don't know how things will look from here or what lies ahead. I will always give my absolute best for this club, and that will never change. I love my job and I understand the responsibility that comes with it. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. I completely understand the situation. Honestly, I don't expect anything. I just want what's best for this football club, whatever decision is made," Carrick continued.

The former United midfielder retained the backing of the Old Trafford faithful, who broke into chants in his honour during the match while turning their frustrations towards the board and owners, demanding accountability.

"The fans' reaction stirs mixed feelings in me," Carrick admitted. "Having that kind of connection with the supporters is bittersweet given the circumstances. It will take me some time to process everything, but I truly appreciate their support. The results and performances simply haven't been good enough."

"We went into the game already low on confidence, and that showed out on the pitch. The players are feeling it. It hurts to see their disappointment. They're hurting. You just have to face up to it — that's the reality of where we are at the moment," Carrick reflected.

The manager also addressed his decision to leave Bruno Fernandes out of the starting lineup: "He is fit and available, but we decided to go with the side that started. Unfortunately for all of us, we didn't get the outcome we wanted. There are always moments where you try to make decisions to change things up."