Xabi Alonso is preparing for the toughest week of his Chelsea stint. The Blues go to Anfield tomorrow night, and then host Man United on Saturday, as doubt remains regarding Michael Carrick.

Focus, for now, will be on the clash against Liverpool before a quick turnaround to face Man United. There will be less than 72 hours between games, with Chelsea playing first on Saturday at lunchtime.

After Man United’s 3-0 hammering at home to Bournemouth, it was believed that Carrick would be axed by the Old Trafford board. But nothing has materialised at the time of writing on Tuesday morning.

Michael Carrick looks set to remain in charge with Chelsea next

According to Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, Carrick arrived at Carrington on Tuesday morning in a tracksuit as he prepared to take training. United’s next game is away at Chelsea.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

“Man United declined to say last night if Carrick would take training today, yet he’s arrived in training kit. Feeling on Sunday was any departure wouldn’t be sorted on Monday,” Luckhurst posted on Tuesday.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker then added, later on Tuesday morning, that Carrick is preparing for the Chelsea game: “Still planning ahead as normal for Saturday’s visit to Chelsea. More to follow.”

They have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, meaning they have a full week to prepare ahead of Chelsea. But the chaos remains, and it looks as if Carrick will too, ahead of their trip to London.

What Chelsea fans think about Carrick remaining in charge

That might encourage Chelsea fans. Some might have felt that having lost to Bournemouth and Como, that run would continue with Carrick still in charge. But Chelsea fans are nervous about the situation.

The loss to Tottenham was damning, and it has stripped any confidence that supporters have in their manager. With Carrick remaining, the pressure is on Chelsea to follow Bournemouth and Como.

“I don’t trust Chelsea against Man United” was the verdict from another Chelsea fan. Another supporter said, “I have a feeling we’re about to go on a losing streak” in response to reports that Carrick is staying.

Chelsea’s record against Man United is just as concerning

Chelsea have won just four of their last 20 games against Man United. That in itself is even more worrying for Chelsea supporters, especially if Carrick ends up sharing a dugout with Alonso and the pressure is on.

It has improved a bit recently until last season, when Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior suffered losses to the Red Devils. In the same run of 20 games, Man United have won eight times against the Blues.

A home game, with Carrick and Man United in disarray and Cole Palmer getting a rest given his red card and suspension, which will see him miss the Liverpool clash, it feels Chelsea have a good chance.