Xabi Alonso was asked about Michael Carrick ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend. While Alonso is facing some pressure after back-to-back defeats with the Blues, it pales in comparison to what Carrick is dealing with at United.

Having led United to a third-place finish last season, Carrick was expected to finish in the Champions League places again in 2026/27. However, the Red Devils are 16th in the table after eight games, with no wins in their last six.

Many thought Carrick would be sacked this week, especially after holding talks with the club’s directors, but he remains in charge ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge. Here is what Alonso said about his fellow manager before their first meeting.

What Xabi Alonso said about Michael Carrick amid Man Utd pressure

Xabi Alonso was not drawn into giving his opinion on whether Michael Carrick should keep his job amid speculation over his Manchester United future. However, Alonso was willing to admit he has “big sympathy” for the former England international because he understands the challenges of managing an elite club.

“I have great respect and big sympathy for Michael as a manager,” Alonso said in his press conference on Friday. “I know him because we have played against each other.

Alonso and his backroom staff may be pleased that Carrick is still in charge, as it should make United more predictable. Many Chelsea fans were certainly concerned that Man Utd would get a typical ‘new manager bounce’ under a caretaker if Carrick had been sacked this week.

Another key storyline ahead of United’s game against Chelsea is Bruno Fernandes’ expected return to the starting XI as captain after he was dropped against Bournemouth last weekend for publicly criticising Carrick’s tactics. Fernandes and Carrick have since held clear-the-air talks and appear to be back on the same wavelength.

As a result, some expect Carrick’s side to produce a bounce-back performance after overcoming recent adversity. However, when asked whether he was wary of facing a fired-up United team, Alonso admitted it had not crossed his mind.

Alonso responded: “For me, it doesn’t change. In any situation, we need to prepare the same way. We control what we can control: our preparations, our decisions, our mindset. We know they are a good team.

“In the same way as against Tottenham, we said the table doesn’t matter; it’s too early to tell. United have a good squad, good players and a good manager. It’s going to be a tough game and we will have to be a good version of ourselves to win the game.”