Focus will now turn to Saturday's fixture at Chelsea. As the uncertainty continues to rumble on during a problematic season, Express Sport rounds up the latest United developments...

Board red-faced as decision backfires

According to new reports, Man United's hierarchy are inclined to retain Carrick partly because of the endorsement he received from supporters on Sunday.

While fans at Old Trafford directed fury towards the club's executives and ownership, Carrick enjoyed a favourable reception throughout and was applauded enthusiastically as he left the pitch ahead of the players.

Once Carrick was down the tunnel, the players behind him were booed heavily on their way off. Although it wasn't the sole consideration in the verdict, the backing he retains from supporters was noted by senior figures, according to ESPN.

It has apparently dawned on the club that its difficulties extend considerably beyond whoever occupies the dugout.

Reservations surrounding several leading contenders for the role - Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann - have also contributed to the decision to retain Carrick, according to The Sun.

The leak does not paint a good picture of United's decision-makers, who dnot seem fully convinced in the current head coach yet are also failing to agree on who could replace him.

Rooney lets rip

Wayne Rooney has savaged United's players, insisting they have no grounds for complaint whatsoever. In a scathing outburst, the club's all-time record scorer revealed he would relish the opportunity to enter the dressing room and place a firework "up their a****."

Appearing on the Stick to United podcast, he fumed: "What's not fair is the performances they're giving. I looked at the fans, you could see the pain and anger in their faces when them players are walking around the football pitch.

"You see Martinez when Rayan ran round him, they're not getting to the ball, it's so frustrating. I could score a goal, had ability or whatever, I f****** ran and put myself about as a team. These players are not doing that.

"'What type of performances do you think this is? Do you think you deserve to wear the shirt?' Put a f****** firework up their a**** because they're not doing anything.

"We're seeing players who are numb, look like they've got no emotion, look like they don't care. Some of them might care, some good lads who are getting dragged down. It's so frustrating to watch."