Manchester United round-up as Michael Carrick faces the music and two potentoal successors break their silence

Michael Carrick has faced speculation about his Manchester United future head-on before Sunday's crucial match against Bournemouth. The pressure on Carrick intensified as his side slumped to a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.

To compound matters, Bruno Fernandes openly slammed his manager's tactics. When those comments were put to Carrick, he hit back by accusing his side of not running enough.

Premier League form is also cause for concern. After seven games, United sit 13th in the table with just one win, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

With potential successors being sounded out, Carrick desperately needs a win and a strong performance against Bournemouth, who beat Ruben Amorim's AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday. Ahead of a crucial weekend for Carrick, here's a round-up of the latest United news…

Carrick's unusual announcement

Carrick made an unusual start to his pre-match press conference by making a six-minute speech before taking any questions from reporters. He addressed the club's current struggles compared to the "relatively success" of his time as interim boss over the second half of last season.

He brought up the Como defeat, calling it a "bad night," said he felt for the supporters, named-checked figures from United's glorious past and called on the current squad to put the club first.

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He said: "It was never about Ryan Giggs, it was never about Ryan Giggs, it was about Manchester United. Wayne Rooney, the greatest goalscorer in the club’s history, he played for team. Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest manager in the club's history...

"Sir Matt [Busby] and Sir Bobby [Charlton], their resilience was beyond belief, what they showed and how they rebuilt this football club. It was built on hard work, humility, sacrifice and we should never forget that. We've lost our way, if I’m totally honest, but we'll get back what it takes."

United contenders speak out

Two potential successors to Carrick have spoken out after being linked to the United job. Following Brighton's fine start to the new campaign, Fabian Hurzeler has been touted as a possible choice should the club decide to make another managerial change.

But the German coach, 33, maintains he is only thinking about how to maintain the Seagulls' upward momentum when they visit Liverpool on Sunday. He said: "I am really focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days.

"Besides that, I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick, for what he has done with Manchester United at the end of last season. He is a great human being, he is a great personality."

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte - who is on the market after leaving Napoli in the summer - has been moved to release a statement after being linked with United and Juventus, whose manager, Luciano Spalletti, is also under pressure.

The 57-year-old posted on Instagram, stressing he would only consider a return to management when he believed "the conditions are right." He said: "My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage."

Conte added: "I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality.' These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments."