Listening to Michael Carrick, one might assume the turmoil surrounding Manchester United has settled down.

The beleaguered manager presented himself in his press briefing ahead of the match against Chelsea as though everything was normal, seemingly unaffected by the urgency of each game or the uncertainty regarding his future.

Amidst discussions about his future, Carrick, aged 45, continues to cling to a facade of tranquility, behaving as though everything is peaceful at Old Trafford.

The former United midfielder indicated he expected support from the club’s leadership this week, even after the decisive 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth left the team languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just above the relegation zone.

However, just days after the 4-1 Champions League loss in Como, many anticipated his dismissal.

He now resembles an interim manager once more, working under a zero-hours contract.

For Carrick, this situation feels like a haunting repetition.

Seated before multiple cameras and an equal number of journalists, with Amazon’s cameras close by, he faced questions about his position for the third time in a week.

Along with inquiries about his tense relationship with captain Bruno Fernandes, who has reportedly reconciled with him, Carrick found himself under scrutiny.

Addressing the escalating pressure, Carrick remarked: “I don’t really perceive that. I focus on what I need to see. I don’t seek it out. It doesn’t benefit me in any way.”

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It seems Fernandes’ one-match ban is over after he criticized Carrick’s tactics in Italy last Wednesday — now, the manager must secure victories.

United’s Carrington training complex has switched away from Sky Sports News for yesterday’s programming, showcasing Formula 1 highlights and BBC News instead — a fitting distraction for Carrick amidst mounting speculation regarding his future after the heavy defeat to Bournemouth.

Carrick appeared to be taking a final lap around Old Trafford at full-time, receiving cheers from the Stretford End before the players faced jeers as soon as their emotional manager disappeared down the tunnel.

The owners and board also faced their share of disdain during the disappointing match.

Carrick conceded: “The reception elicited mixed emotions. My responsibility lies with the players. What happens outside is not my concern.

“I understand what assistance the group requires, guiding them in critical moments; that’s part of my core responsibilities. We held a meeting and had discussions.

“The players are eager. We feel pain because we haven’t secured enough wins. But there is a fervor, a determination, a desire to improve.”

We have yet to see any semblance of drive from United, and failing to secure a win against Chelsea will extend the team’s winless streak to NINE matches and could potentially relegate the team to a crisis situation.

The Red Devils sit merely two points clear of last-placed Sunderland, sharing points with Crystal Palace and just a point ahead of Nottingham Forest and Coventry.

In spite of 13 years of turmoil and seven managerial changes, United finds themselves facing their worst league start in 40 years, with their only league win occurring against newly promoted Ipswich in August.

Overall, the team has suffered six losses in 12 matches across all competitions, conceded 22 goals, and has not managed a victory since defeating European lowly Sabah 49 DAYS ago.

Co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Avram Glazer, and Joel Glazer held a conference call on Monday with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to explore their options as fan discontent grows.

United remains undecided on former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, 48, or 39-year-old ex-Germany chief Julian Nagelsmann.

Board members are also conscious that the international break following home matches against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday and Aston Villa five days later presents a natural transition period for a new manager to step in.

The future of embattled Wilcox has also come under intense review.

One insider close to United expressed that it is likely the former Leeds and Blackburn player, 55, will eventually lose his position if a third managerial change happens during his tenure.

The external drama remains centered on recruitment — specifically the lack thereof in left-back and striker positions — United’s financial situation and substantial debts, Carrick’s relative inexperience, and that of his coaching team aside from assistant boss Steve Holland.

Carrick confirmed that United’s sole natural striker, Benjamin Sesko, will be sidelined until the New Year due to a shin injury sustained last season.

To clear the air, Carrick convened a meeting with all squad members and staff — excluding directors — to ensure everyone is aligned.

A private discussion with out-of-form captain Fernandes, 32, was reported to be constructive, but Carrick urgently needs his former Premier League Player of the Season to step up if he hopes to retain his position.