Michael Carrick has been given one more shot to turn things around at Manchester United following a dismal start to the 2026/27 season

Manchester United chiefs are not fully confident in the potential replacements lined up for Michael Carrick. This has reportedly given the struggling manager a final shot at turning things around at Old Trafford.

Following a dismal 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, it seemed like the writing was on the wall for Carrick. He was cheered off the park by supporters as the players were jeered, which looked like a suspected final farewell.

He was downtrodden in the post-match press conference too, claiming he would always "do what is best for this football club" regardless of what it meant for him. However, he will be afforded the opportunity to find form once more at Old Trafford, beginning with a visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Insiders told The Sun that the United hierarchy is not completely sold on the coaches available to take the job, including Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe. The source said: "The best ones won't come."

Other sources told ESPN that the fan reaction to Carrick at the weekend was also a key moment in giving him another shot. The report states that the club chiefs noted the disparity between the level of support for the manager as he left the pitch and the frustration directed at the players.

It is now expected that Carrick will be in the dugout to face Chelsea on Saturday night as he bids to generate a run of wins to turn things around.

It also looks like the players have banded together to stick with the manager too, with Harry Maguire's words showcasing unity among the squad. Speaking post-Bournemouth, the defender said: "We're fully behind Michael. He come into the team last season and turned our season around and managed to finish in third position and managed to get Champions League football this season.

"As individuals, we're not playing well enough. The results haven't been good enough. The performances haven't been good enough. Individually we've got to look at ourselves and find something within ourselves to bring more to the team. That's every player."

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The only player who seems to be at odds with this trend is club captain Bruno Fernandes, who apparently took a dig at United following the Bournemouth defeat. He was left on the bench by Carrick on Sunday, despite warming up throughout the game.

Social media users spotted the midfielder's official account liking a video that had the caption: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."

Fernandes was left on the sidelines after he criticised the tactical performance in a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League last week. Sharing his frustration after the game, the midfielder said: "Everyone at the club must understand that it’s no longer the same. We’re no longer in the past and we must look to the future. We must create something different in the present.

"At this club, we focus too much on what was achieved in the past, but we are no longer the same. The club and the players must understand this. Unfortunately for us, especially the players, those who come think about winning trophies, matches, and reaching the highest level, but unfortunately it’s been very difficult at this club in recent years. That’s the situation."

With Carrick staying at the helm, it remains to be seen whether Fernandes returns to the starting XI at the weekend.