Carrick stays in charge of Manchester United for Chelsea match after eight games without a win

Michael Carrick remains in charge of Manchester United and has led the team's training at the Carrington training ground, giving the under-pressure manager and his players another opportunity to revive a season that has drifted off course.

Carrick's future had appeared in serious doubt after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth extended United's winless run to eight matches in all competitions and left them in 16th place in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

Senior club officials held talks on Monday amid mounting speculation over Carrick's position, with potential replacements already being linked to the job in British media reports.

However, no decision was announced, and the former United midfielder reported for work as normal, overseeing preparations for Saturday's league trip to Chelsea. The match is on 31 October.

Reports in British media said Carrick and his players will have the opportunity to turn the situation around, with the club focused on preparing for Saturday and showing a response on the pitch.

Amid Sunday's frustration at Old Trafford, supporters levelled their anger at the players rather than the manager. As Carrick made his way towards the tunnel after the final whistle, thousands of fans sang his name and applauded him. The mood shifted seconds later when cheers turned to angry boos as the players made their way off the pitch.

The scene was a reflection of the goodwill the 45-year-old Carrick still enjoys among a fanbase that remembers both his decorated 12-year playing career at United and the measured manner in which he has carried himself, the reports said.

Carrick has repeatedly accepted responsibility for the team's struggles while shielding his players from scrutiny.

'I totally understand the situation,' he said after Sunday's loss. 'I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I'm carrying on as normal, and I love this place.' He added: 'I always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything, really.'