Carrick survives the sack as Tielemans offers open support

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will remain in charge after the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth. The head coach's future had been debated for days following a dramatic week.

Carrick left captain Bruno Fernandes out of the starting XI against Bournemouth, keeping the player on the bench. Behind this decision was Fernandes' criticism of the tactics after the Champions League defeat away at Como. The poor performance at Old Trafford further fuelled speculation about Carrick's future. Carrick, who took the team back into the Champions League last season as interim head coach, was later appointed permanently. However, winning only 2 of the last 12 matches has called his suitability into question.

The club's management has not offered Carrick open public backing. Nevertheless, according to reports, the board has decided to give him time to get the team's form back on track. This decision was taken despite the discontent of Fernandes and defender Lisandro Martinez. Martinez had previously made critical comments about head coach Jason Wilcox.

Youri Tielemans, who was signed from Aston Villa this summer and has been at the centre of criticism throughout the season, gave Carrick clear support in an interview with TNT Sports. Tielemans said he had joined the club because he wanted to, and for that reason he was grateful to the head coach. The midfielder stressed that the team needs stability rather than a sudden change, and said they would keep working.