MANCHESTER – Michael Carrick remained in charge of Manchester United on Oct 27 and led training at Carrington, giving the under-pressure manager and his players another opportunity to revive a season that has drifted alarmingly off course.

His future had appeared in serious doubt after the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Oct 25 extended United’s winless run to eight matches in all competitions and left them hovering one point above the English Premier League relegation zone.

Senior club officials held talks on Oct 26 amid mounting speculation over Carrick’s position, with potential replacements already being linked to the job. But no decision was announced and he reported for work as normal, overseeing preparations for the Oct 31 trip to Chelsea.

The BBC, Sky Sports and Britain’s Press Association all reported that the former United and England midfielder would take the team to Stamford Bridge.

Carrick arrived at the training ground on Oct 27 to oversee a routine squad session.

The BBC cited “sources” as saying the 45-year-old would be given a chance by the United hierarchy to turn things around at Old Trafford following a terrible start to the season.

Carrick was handed a two-year deal in May after overseeing an impressive revival as caretaker boss following United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim.

The club recovered to finish third in the Premier League, earning a return to the Champions League. REUTERS, AFP