The latest result won't have done Carrick's case any good, and it looked as if he was waving goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful after the full-time whistle. But when asked about his emotional gestures during the post-match debrief, Carrick claimed it wasn't meant to be interpreted as a farewell.

He told Sky Sports: "It wasn't [a goodbye] for me." Adding: "I'm feeling mixed emotions. I feel for the players as they are going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, for some the situation unravels.

"The boys are feeling it. I have mixed emotions to have that connection with the supporters in the moment we're in. I need time to digest that. I appreciate their support but the situation is where it's at. We haven't been good enough...

"It was a tough day for the players. We went into the game having been rocked. You can feel that. They're really hurting and disappointed in there. It's not a nice feeling. You have to accept it, we're in that situation."

That doesn't mean he won't be relieved of his duties though, with Carrick also admitting he will do 'what's best for the football club'. Carrick said: "It's a tough situation. What is next? I don't know. I'll always do what's best for this football club. I don't change that now. I love what I do. I love the responsibility. But we'll have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, Harry Maguire speaking to Sky Sports said: "It wasn't good enough. Disappointed to give a goal away so early - another set play - and conceding first in the Premier League it makes it difficult.

"It's not clicking at the moment. Results are not good enough and performances in the last week not good enough. Still early in the season.

"Got to find something, question yourself, look in the mirror - that's the most important thing - think what you can do more and what more you can contribute to the team and if we do that we'll get somewhere."