Those remarks suggested someone who believed his time was up. Yet following crisis talks involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owners the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the verdict has been reached that Carrick will remain as head coach.

The outcome is revealing, indicating they recognise the club's difficulties extend far beyond whoever occupies the dugout. Having overseen training on Tuesday morning, Carrick will now prepare for the journey to Chelsea as usual.

The verdict will prove popular with certain United supporters, many of whom applauded him after the defeat to Bournemouth before directing their frustration towards the players. What those players make of the call remains to be seen, but their showing at Chelsea will reveal plenty.

Carrick's most fascinating selection choice will centre on Bruno Fernandes, who was omitted for the Bournemouth game following his criticism of Carrick's tactics against Como.

Social media observers have subsequently noticed his Instagram account liking a video which included the statement: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."

However, with United winless in eight matches and in urgent need of points, there is a compelling argument for recalling the club's best player.

United sit just a point clear of the Premier League relegation places in 16th position ahead of the Chelsea game, before entering the international break with home fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa.