Michael Carrick is once again fighting for his Manchester United future as his side travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes was recalled by Carrick and started as captain in a chaotic first half. Fernandes blazed a golden chance over the bar on the volley while Amad Diallo also missed a clear opening after Wesley Fofana slipped. Estevao and Matheus Cunha both had opening goals ruled out for offside, while Pedro Neto shot wide following a Harry Maguire mistake.
Carrick appeared on the brink following the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last week but survived crisis talks with the United hierarchy and remains in charge for the trip to Stamford Bridge, despite the club sounding out Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as his potential replacement.
There is some pressure on Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, too, following the home defeat to rivals Tottenham last weekend and their exit from the Carabao Cup against Liverpool in midweek. Joao Pedro remains sidelined due to injury, although Cole Palmer returns from suspension and Estevao is handed his first start of the season.
Follow live updates from Chelsea v Manchester United, below:
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Chelsea v Man United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Michael Carrick under pressure again as Man Utd fall apart at Chelsea | Live on TNT Sports
- 63' GOAL! Palmer converts penalty to double Chelsea lead (CHE 2-0 MUN)
- 62' RED CARD! Martinez concedes penalty and sent off (CHE 1-0 MUN)
- 50' GOAL! Rogers' brilliance puts Chelsea ahead (CHE 1-0 MUN)
- 42' CHANCE! Amad blazes over after Fofana slip (CHE 0-0 MUN)
- 18' CHANCE! Fernandes wastes golden chance to score opener (CHE 0-0 MUN)
- Bruno Fernandes starts and captains Man Utd after clear-the-air talks
Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd
14:08 , Mike Jones79 mins: Amad is taken off and Zirkzee comes on.
Chelsea are pushing for more goals and rightly so.
They have Man Utd at their mercy and can use the opportunity to further the cause of their own boss Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd
14:06 , Mike Jones76 mins: Amad Diallo remains on the deck after a decent run forward.
He’s clutching his left calf and may have an issue. It’s not the first time he’s gestured to that leg today.
Carrick has Joshua Zirkzee primed and ready to come on.
These next 15 minutes or so are crucial for Carrick and United. They need to show some fight for the manager here.
DISALLOWED! Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd
14:03 , Mike Jones73 mins: VAR are checking the goal for offside.
It’s the tightest call so far but the winger is just ahead of Maguire.
It’s a matter of inches but the goal is ruled out.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Man Utd (Estevao, 71')
14:01 , Mike JonesShocker.
Fernandes gives the ball away and United are caught on the break. The weight of the pass from Palmer is pinpoint and sends the winger into the box.
Estevao then blasts his effort past Lammens and United concede a third goal.
Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd
13:58 , Mike Jones69 mins: Oh close!
Chelsea almost have a third as Estevao is played into the right side of the box.
He curls a decent pass over to the back post and Palmer is there for a tap in...
... but Maguire flings out a leg and touches it just past the Chelsea talisman.
Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd
13:56 , Mike Jones66 mins: Manchester United are in a world of pain now and things good get even worse.
Mason Mount and Ayden Heaven are brought onto the pitch with Andrey Santos and Matheus Cunha taken off.
Mount is greeted with a chorus of boos from his former club.
Carrick’s switches are an attempt to bring more control of Man Utd.
Martinez piles pressure on Michael Carrick
13:55 , Miguel Delaney, at Stamford BridgeThe United bench don't even acknowledge Martinez as he goes by.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Man Utd (Cole Palmer, 64')
13:54 , Mike JonesCole Palmer takes the penalty and drills it to Senne Lammens’ left.
The goalkeeper dives the correct way and gets a good chunk of the ball but only manages to push it into the bottom corner.
Disaster for United.
RED CARD! Martinez's is sent off
13:53 , Mike Jones62 mins: Lisandro Martinez has shafted Manchester United here.
He gets a second yellow card on review after elbowing Fofana in the face.
Both cards were picked up inside 90 seconds.
Chelsea are awarded a penalty as well.
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
13:51 , Mike Jones61 mins: Estevao’s free kick comes curling in but Harry Maguire is on hand to nod the ball away for a corner.
Estevao takes the next set piece and swings the ball into the area. It’s coming towards Wesley Fofana who is clattered by Martinez.
The defender wasn’t even looking at the ball and jumps into Fofana and pushes an elbow into his chin.
What’s he thinking?
There’s a VAR check going on...
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
13:49 , Mike Jones59 mins: Michael Carrick goes to the bench first and brings on Kobbie Mainoo to replace Carlos Baleba.
That’s pretty much like for like.
Rogers drives at Lisandro Martinez again and works his way past the defender who tugs and pulls and gives up a free kick.
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
13:46 , Mike Jones56 mins: Xabi Alonso really enjoyed that goal from Morgan Rogers.
It eases the pressure on him and has given the hosts a heap of confidence to drive at the United defenders.
Testing times for Carrick’s men.
Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
13:43 , Mike Jones53 mins: That goal could be a killer blow for Man Utd and for Michael Carrick.
It was a superb goal from Morgan Rogers. Can United respond to it?
Fernandes wins a free kick just outside the penalty area. He’ll take it too.
The United captain lifts a cross into the penalty area and and Cunha’s outstretched leg almost touches it home.
Stunning from Morgan Rogers
13:42 , Miguel Delaney, at Stamford BridgeA goal that was maybe inevitable given the amount of chances United missed in the first half. They were leaving themselves to that - and just leaving themselves open in general. It was a fine finish from Rogers, but he was allowed to basically just run through the United team without even beating anyone.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd (Morgan Rogers. 50')
13:40 , Mike JonesBeautiful!
What a goal this is.
Romeo Lavia takes the ball of Mbeumo and darts past a midfielder before slipping a forward pass to Morgan Rogers.
Rogers then weaves his way through four defenders, takes the ball into the box and flicks it over Senne Lammens to open the scoring!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:39 , Mike Jones48 mins: Chelsea have come out from the break with a focus to control possession and attack.
The hosts haven’t let United have the ball and when they are out of possession, they’ve won it back quickly.
Second half! Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:35 , Mike JonesChelsea get the ball rolling for the second half at Stamford Bridge.
They boot it over to the left and straight out of play.
As things stand
13:30 , Mike JonesThis is the first Premier League match of the weekend.
As things stand, Chelsea will remain in fifth place on 14 points while United stay 16th on eight.
An extra two points for the Blues takes them to third while two points for United puts them in 12th and eases some of the pressure.
HT Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:26 , Mike JonesIt was a pretty close first half in truth.
Man Utd only just edged possession having 50.1% compared to Chelsea’s 49.9%.
The two sides were pretty close on chances created too with Chelsea making seven and United nine.
Both teams had three shots on target but the quality of those opportunities is stark.
Chelsea’s xG is 0.28 but United’s is 1.01 meaning they should have converted at least once.
HT Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:22 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:18 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end an entertaining first half.
Chances for both teams, two disallowed goals and the teams head into the break on level terms.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:18 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:14 , Mike Jones43 mins: Chance!
Amad once again presses high on Fofana and takes the ball off him with no back up for the Chelsea defender.
Amad drives into the box but fires his effort over the top!
It's yet another big chance for Man Utd, but Amad fires over the bar! 😱
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 31, 2026
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Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:13 , Mike Jones42 mins: Post!
Estevao’s delivery is flicked on and strikes Moises Caicedo without him having too much of an idea what’s happening.
The ball drops and bobbles away from Lammens before hitting the woodwork!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:12 , Mike Jones41 mins: This has been a good and entertaining match with both teams having their moments on top.
The last 10-15 minutes belonged to Man Utd but Chelsea are responding as half-time approaches.
Estevao wins the hosts a corner.
'Man Utd are bossing Chelsea'
13:09 , Miguel Delaney, at Stamford BridgeManchester United have been the better side, creating more chances, although some of that feels a product of the general chaos for both sides. Given how poor United have been of late, it does feel alarming for Chelsea they are being bossed like this at home.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:09 , Mike Jones38 mins: So, a disallowed goal for each team.
Man Utd’s was a closer affair than Chelsea’s but both decisions were correct.
Man Utd have a bit of momentum now. Amad dances into the box and takes a shot but Fofana puts in a block and turns it out for a corner.
DISALLOWED! Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:07 , Mike Jones36 mins: Oh no!
Man Utd’s lead is ruled out. Just before Maguire heads the ball Cunha is bumped into an offside position and he’s ahead of the defender before scoring.
The goal is chalked off.
Back to 0-0.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd (Matheus Cunha, 34')
13:06 , Mike JonesBoom!
Manchester United take the lead through a corner. It’s whipped to the back post where Harry Maguire leaps and nods the ball down.
It comes to Matheus Cunha who whips his own header into the back of the net!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:04 , Mike Jones33 mins: Chance!
Wesley Fofana has his pocket picked by Amad who takes the ball into the box and takes a shot that Penders touches behind for a corner at the near post.
Another close call for United.
Fernandes heads over to take the set piece but his cross doesn’t find a man in red.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
13:02 , Mike Jones30 mins: Save!
Amad drifts inside from the right and is given the ball by Fernandes.
Amad shoots from outside the area and rattles one at goal. Mike Penders drops low and pushes the ball away only as far as Mbeumo.
Mbeumo doesn’t have the angle to shoot and rolls it back to Cunha but he’s under pressure and the ball is turned out for a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:58 , Mike Jones27 mins: Fernandes is played into the left side of the area and fires a pass across the six-yard box.
Mbeumo is the target but he doesn’t arrive in time and the ball flies past his outstretched foot.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:56 , Mike Jones24 mins: Santos dinks a nice pass into Mbeumo’s feet and he threads it through the back line to Cunha.
Cunha’s first touch isn’t good. It’s too heavy and what should have been a chance ends with the Brazilian giving the ball away.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:53 , Mike Jones21 mins: Chelsea look hungry.
Cole Palmer, Estevao and Josh Acheampong all combine on the right side to work the ball into the area but he can’t find a teammate and wins a corner.
The corner yields a soft effort at goal but Lammens clings onto it.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:51 , Mike Jones18 mins: A Chelsea corner is played short to Neto who curls a cross over to Rogers by the back post.
He’s forced out of the area but gets fouled by Fernandes and Chelsea have a free kick in a very dangerous position.
Estevao is the man standing over the ball. He whips it into the box and a glancing header comes to Rogers but he’s closed down by Lammens. His cutback is intercepted and United kick start a counter attack.
Chance!
United feed Bryan Mbeumo who holds up the ball before rolling a beautiful pass behind the last remaining defender and into the feet of Fernandes arriving on the left side of the box.
Fernandes is under pressure, he takes a touch and smokes his shot over the top!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:46 , Mike Jones15 mins: Leny Yoro and Amad Diallo combine on the right side with the defender making an overlapping run. He crosses and forces Levi Colwill to turn the ball behind for a corner - the first of the match.
Wesley Fofana nods away Fernandes’ cross and Chelsea sweep forward on the break.
It’s a glorious move with Morgan Rogers slipping Neto into the right side of the box.
Neto forces Lammens into a low save but the goalkeeper parries the ball to Estevao and he scores!
But the offside flag goes up and it doesn’t stand!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:44 , Mike Jones12 mins: Chelsea do brilliantly to win the ball in midfield. They throw themselves into three tackles back-to-back-to-back before the ball squirts loose and Pedro Neto can fly forward.
The pass deflects off his heel and comes to Estevao who carries it into the right side of the area before cutting it back towards Moises Caicedo.
Andrey Santos intercepts and clears the danger.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:41 , Mike Jones9 mins: Oh hello!
Estevao receives the ball on the right wing for Chelsea and drifts inside before deciding to shoot from a long way out.
He tries to wrap his foot around the ball but gets it slightly wrong and powers his effort wide of the far post.
At the other end of the pitch, Diogo Dalot drives the ball up the wing and slips it inside to Cunha. He lays it off to Fernandes who sets up Andrey Santos for a shot and his effort, decent enough, curves wide of the post as well!
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:38 , Mike Jones6 mins: These opening minutes have revealed a more cautious Man Utd and one that seems focused on holding shape, defending in numbers.
Chelsea have found themselves in the final third a few times but have been patient on the ball.
United carry the ball up the pitch and find Amad Diallo on the right side.
He cuts onto his left foot and plays a darting pass into the box. Cunha makes the run and sticks out a leg but he can’t control it and Mike Penders scoops it up.
Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:35 , Mike Jones3 mins: Manchester United look to be set up in a 4-4-2 off the ball with Bruno Fernandes playing out on the left and Matheus Cunha as the right side striker.
It’s a fluid formation with Cunha dropping back to form a central No.10 at times as well.
They’re also holding a mid block and aren’t overcomitting to a high press.
Kick off! Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
12:32 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes gets the ball rolling and sends it to Senne Lammens.
The United goalkeeper goes long and Chelsea win the ball and work it after from their half of the pitch.
Chelsea vs Man United
12:25 , Mike JonesBefore the players make their way out onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge ahead of what will be a crucial contest for both teams there is a military tribute for Remembrance Sunday.
Man Utd are on the edge of a full blown crisis with Michael Carrick clinging on to his job while results have been going against the Blues and Xabi Alonso.
Which team will come out on top?
Let’s find out...
Michael Carrick: 'We've got to be the best version of ourselves'
12:21 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United manager Michael Carrick speaking to TNT Sports ahead of a must-win game at Chelsea.
“There’s no hiding form the face we want to win games. Today’s a tough game but we’ve done it before and we’re looking forward to it. We've prepared well, we've trained well, the boys are ready.”
On the return of his captain: “Of course Bruno's an important player. He's proved it for quite some time. I hope we get the best version of him. He proved last season what he could do and he proved it for so long and I’m sure he will prove it again.
“I know we've had a tough time results wise but the boys are going into this game in quite a clear frame of mind that we know what we need to do. It's more about us, really, what we bring to the game ourselves. We can't affect or control what they bring to the game. We've got to be the best version of ourselves, if we're close to that, we'll have a good chance of winning the game.”
Alonso vs Man United
12:20 , Mike JonesXabi Alonson lost five of his seven Premier League games against Man Utd as a Liverpool player (one win, one draw ).
That is his joint-most defeats against an opponent, along with Chelsea.
Alonso did win 2-1 with Real Madrid at Old Trafford in his last playing match against United, with Michael Carrick also featuring for 90 minutes in that March 2013 meeting.
Chelsea need an uptick in form
12:16 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost the most league games (11) since the start of March, while also losing 44.4% of their matches in 2026 (12/27).
That marks Chelsea’s worst ratio in a year since 1993, when they lost 20 of 41 games (48.8%).
Noise around United won't distract Chelsea
12:15 , Mike Jones“Against Tottenham, we said the table doesn't matter,” Xabi Alonso explained when asked if the noise around Man Utd affected his team’s preparations.
“At this moment, it doesn't matter. It's too early to tell. And United have a good squad; they have good players and a good manager. It’s going to be a tough game, and we’ll have a good version of us to win the game.
“This is going to be the journey. We'll have good moments, tough moments, but we need to learn from them. I saw a better version of us on Wednesday than I saw on Saturday, even if the result wasn’t good in either, but I want to see more of the good version of us.”
'It's a big one' says Alonso
12:12 , Mike JonesChelsea boss Xabi Alonso is under pressure following a defeat to Tottenham in the last league match before being knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Liverpool.
Of facing Man Utd today, Alonso said: “It's a big one. We didn’t have much time to prepare, but it’s really important after the last home game that we keep winning games, and we have this winning feeling.
“We need to have good control, good emotional control, be comfortable, be intense, control their quality.
“They have many players that get close to each other when they have good connections. We need to be aware of that and we need to be brave and play our game with personality. The first goal...it's going to be important as well.”
The uncomfortable reason why Bruno Fernandes had to remain Man United captain
12:00 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes’ form can be brilliant and frustrating, but Richard Jolly argues Michael Carrick’s choice as Man United captain shows the extent to how badly the squad has been built, given a lack of alternative leaders.
The uncomfortable reason why Bruno Fernandes had to remain Man United captain
Three in a row
11:55 , Mike JonesMan United did the league double over Chelsea last season and are aiming to secure three straight league wins against the Blues for the first time since September 1965.
Matheus Cunha scored the only goal of the game in this exact fixture in April, following up a 2-1 victory for United at Old Trafford back in September last year.
Carrick 'doesn't need assurances' over Man Utd future
11:50 , Mike JonesOn his future as the United boss, Carrick added: “I don't need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position. I understand the job. I understand the responsibilities. I understand what comes with that. So, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard.
“I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think, I care about what it feels like in the stadium and them travelling for games to us to come and see us and support us.
“I care about what we give them and what we offer them and what they see. I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else.
“I know this job, I know what it brings, I know what we need to do, really, to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me anything else.”
Carrick focused on improving Man Utd
11:45 , Mike JonesAs was to be expected, Michael Carrick fielded questions over his future at Manchester United in the press conference ahead of this match.
He was asked how the week has been in the build-up to the game.
He responded: “To be honest, disappointment from the game [vs Bournemouth], the result, initial disappointment.
“That's pretty clear, the way the game went and the result, dealing with that is the main thing.
“What could we have done better? What could we improve on? What can we make the difference with?
“And then focusing on getting back to training with the players and preparing for the next game, for Chelsea, and a big week ahead, really.
“That's been my main focus, how can we make the difference?”
A run to forget
11:40 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick’s side are winless in their last eight games in all competitions overall (three draws and five defeats) since beating Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September.
They have not gone more matches without victory since a nine-game stretch in 1988.
Michael Carrick is facing a familiar Man United problem – but Chelsea clash could offer a way out
11:35 , Mike JonesSpared the sack even with the club seemingly again in a spiral, Carrick’s future appears bleak – but Miguel Delaneyexplains why a clash with Chelsea could offer vital clarity.
Michael Carrick is facing a familiar Man United problem – but there is a way out
Manchester United's recent outings
11:30 , Mike JonesThe pressure on Michael Carrick ramped up following Manchester United’s two most recent results.
They were hammered 4-1 by Como in the Champions League before being heavily beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last time out in the Premier League.
United have not lost three straight games in all competitions by three or more goals since doing so across November and December 1961.
Man Utd team changes
11:25 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick needs a win today and he’s made some tweaks to the Man Utd team in order to help him secure one.
Ayden Heaven drops out of the defence in favour of Lisandro Martinez.
In midfield Matheus Cunha replaces Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes is recalled at the expense of Youri Tielemans.
Chelsea v Man Utd team changes
11:21 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso makes four changes to the Chelsea line-up that lost to Tottenham in the last Premier League outing.
Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, Jorrel Hato and Geovany Quenda drop out of the team.
In their place come Wesley Fofana, Marco Palestra, Romeo Lavia and Estevao.
Man Utd line-up to face Chelsea
11:18 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
🥊 In the red corner today...
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2026
Come on United! 🔴⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/WMIwU7EgWC
Chelsea line-up to take on Man Utd
11:16 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers
Your Blues. 👊#CFC | #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/pAHw7rFOdT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 31, 2026
Almost time for team news
11:10 , Mike JonesWith just over an hour to go until kick, the official line-ups will be dropping shortly.
Chelsea have a few absentees but should be boosted by the return of Cole Palmer.
We’ll have to wait and see if Michael Carrick recalls Bruno Fernandes to the line-up.
Team news should drop in a few minutes’ time...
Is there any way back for Michael Carrick?
11:02 , Miguel Delaney, at Stamford BridgeDespite fair criticism of Michael Carrick as a coach, he has been left in a more challenging situation than any of his modern predecessors.
And that’s inevitably left him facing a familiar crisis that submerged all of them, too.
David Moyes had it almost immediately. Louis van Gaal had it in the winter of 2015. Jose Mourinho endured it from early 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in mid-2021. Erik ten Hag had it from the start of the 2023-24 season and Carrick from the start of this one.
None ever fully recovered.
That is when a manager looks to have just “lost” a team, when the hold over them is “gone”.
And that’s when its centre can’t hold, and we see collapses like those against Como and Bournemouth.
As numerous sources suggest, the connection that was there last season has gone. It’s as if he just can’t get a reaction out of the squad any more – just like many of his predecessors eventually found.
Michael Carrick is facing a familiar Man United problem – but Chelsea clash could offer a way out
10:45 , Miguel DelaneySpared the sack even with the club seemingly again in a spiral, Michael Carrick’s future appears bleak – but Miguel Delaney explains why a clash with Chelsea could offer vital clarity
Michael Carrick is facing a familiar Man United problem – but there is a way out
The uncomfortable reason why Bruno Fernandes had to remain Man United captain
10:28 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentBruno Fernandes’ form can be brilliant and frustrating, but Richard Jolly argues Michael Carrick’s choice as Man United captain shows the extent to how badly the squad has been built, given a lack of alternative leaders
The uncomfortable reason why Bruno Fernandes had to remain Man United captain
Michael Carrick welcomes disagreements with Man United players
10:15 , Jamie Braidwood“We always do what we think is going to get the best out of the team. Whether that’s certain players that you speak to at certain points, that’s normal.
“That’s why if you ask for leaders in the dressing room and you want opinions on certain things, then there’s going to be times when you ask that, that’s fine. Absolutely no problem, doesn’t mean that we always agree with that, but absolutely no problem with that. And then we head off in the same direction.”
Michael Carrick explains ‘hard truth’ being shared at Man United
09:58 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentMichael Carrick has insisted that Manchester United’s players and hierarchy are speaking the hard truth to each other in blunt discussions about their troubled season.
Carrick has survived as manager after crisis talks in which chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox decided to give him the chance to reverse their slide.
And he held clear-the-air talks with Bruno Fernandes after dropping his captain following his criticisms of United’s tactics in last week’s 4-1 defeat to Como.
Carrick has also had meetings with his underachieving squad, who are only 16th in the Premier League and 20th in the Champions League after going eight games without a win, as he revealed they have been honest, even when that is not pleasant.
“It’s pretty clear,” he said. “It’s not always rosy and nice conversations between anyone, whether that’s between me and the players, whether that’s between me, Jason or Omar or the owners. It’s the truth, it’s the hard truth at times and it’s what we need to move forward. Whatever we need to move forward, we’ll do.”
Michael Carrick ‘unsurprised’ by Man United decision over future as manager
09:40 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentMichael Carrick has insisted he is not surprised to still be Manchester United manager and said he does not need any assurances from the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Carrick’s job has come under threat after a run of eight games without a win, culminating in heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth.
But while the United powerbrokers held talks this week, they decided to keep the 45-year-old in his post for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea as they opted to give him the chance to turn their fortunes around.
Carrick had denied he was waving farewell to United when he went off the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday and claimed he did not expect to be fired.
“No, I am here to do my job and do my job for the team,” he said. “So, I'm not surprised, no.
“I don't need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that. So, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard.”
Xabi Alonso explains why Estevao Willian isn’t playing for Chelsea
09:22 , Jack RathbornXabi Alonso insists Estevao Willian is not playing for Chelsea due to “the context of the games”.
The Brazilian wonderkid has been limited in starts and minutes on the pitch under Alonso this season since returning from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the World Cup with Brazil.
“Sure, he will play, the season is long, there will be moments for everyone,” Alonso said when pushed on why Estevao has struggled to feature prominently for the side this season.
“It's a process, for the team, for Este and myself, I’m sure in the season he’ll have his games, he'll have his minutes. We're early in the season. He'll be there. It's not about attitude, it's about the context of the games.
“It’s about the start of the season. He's a great guy, he wants, it’s about adaptation, first year since the injury, it’s early he will be important. No, no, no, no discussions about that [a loan move in January].”
Michael Carrick confirms Bruno Fernandes remains Man United captain
09:10 , Richard Jolly, Senior Football CorrespondentBruno Fernandes has kept the Manchester United captaincy after his clear-the-air talks with manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes was described as being back to the best version of himself in training earlier this week and spoke to Carrick individually.
Carrick said there was no decision to be made on keeping Fernandes as captain and gave the midfielder his full backing.
“He's an important player for this group,” said Carrick. “He has been and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference and we've got to push things in a good direction.
“He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that.
“He’s the captain of our football club. There are different personalities, different characters, different ways to lead.
“It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not. Questions get asked, I understand, but he cares deeply about this club and the team. He’s desperate to do well.”
What is the Manchester United team news?
09:02 , Jamie BraidwoodBruno Fernandes is available for selection after holding talks with Michael Carrick and remains captain, too. Kobbie Mainoo is back in training but Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu remain out and Benjamin Sesko is likely to be sidelined until the new year due to a shin problem.
What is the Chelsea team news?
09:01 , Jamie BraidwoodJoao Pedro remains out for Chelsea but Cole Palmer returns from suspension after missing Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool. Maxence Lacroix has been ruled out for a few weeks after hurting his hamstring at Anfield but Moises Caicedo is fit, while Estevao’s lack of involvement has become a talking point after he remained on the bench at Anfield. Mike Penders will remain in goal due to Emi Martinez’s broken jaw, with the young Belgian hoping to do a lot better than last week’s performance in the defeat to Tottenham.
Good morning and welcome
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother Premier League weekend awaits as the Manchester United circus rolls on. This afternoon they’re up at Chelsea, who could be plunged into a bit of a crisis themselves if results go against them today.
But the big surprise is that Michael Carrick remains United manager. They say a week is a long time in football but the expectation following Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth was that Carrick had taken charge of his final match. Instead, he has been given another opportunity to try and turn their season around.
