Manchester United have given Michael Carrick more time to turn things around

Manchester United icon Gary Neville says he's surprised by the club's stance to give Michael Carrick more time to turn things around following the disappointing start to the season. Many had expected the club to part ways with the 45-year-old head coach following a dismal start to the season, but they've given him more time to turn things around.

United were thrashed by Como in the Champions League last week, before Bournemouth ran out 3-0 winners to pile further pressure onto Carrick's shoulders. The head coach appeared resigned to his fate as he made his way round the pitch at full time following the defeat to the Cherries, but the club hierarchy have given him their support.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: "I'm happy. I'm surprised but I'm happy because I was absolutely certain what I witnessed on Sunday would be the end of Michael.

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"It looked like when he was walking around at the end on his own, with his players behind him, that it was a goodbye lap.

"He was waving to the fans in an almost apologetic manner but also as a goodbye. I am surprised that ultimately still in a job, but I'm happy with it because it was very difficult on Sunday.

"How it's going to go over the next couple of weeks, I have no idea. I hope he can get those players playing for him because they haven't played for him in the last few weeks."

Carrick had been widely tipped to lose his job following the dismal 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. However, he came through emergency discussions at Carrington on Monday and led training as normal on Tuesday ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.

United have secured victory in just two of their 12 fixtures across all competitions this season. They languish in 16th place in the Premier League, having collected only seven points from eight matches - the club's poorest opening since 1986/87.

The club have explored potential replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, but have opted to persevere for the time being.

Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell are said to be divided over Carrick's replacement, with the former backing Howe and the latter supporting Nagelsmann.

Carrick conceded he was uncertain about his future after presiding over the second heavy and humiliating loss on Sunday. "It's a tough situation, there's no hiding from it," he told Sky Sports when questioned about his position.

"But what it looks like and what's next, I really don't know. I will always do what's best for this football club, I've said it all along and I don't change that now. I love what I do, I love the position I'm in. I feel the responsibility but we'll have to wait and see."

Carrick was called to Carrington on Monday for discussions with club bosses and came back early on Tuesday morning. He is overseeing training as normal ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Chelsea.