Carrick faces Chelsea test with United on an eight-match winless run
Michael Carrick takes Manchester United to Chelsea on Saturday with his side winless in eight matches and captain Bruno Fernandes' role still in focus.
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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick takes his side to Chelsea on Saturday with an eight-match winless run in all competitions and a decision to make over captain Bruno Fernandes.
United are 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone, after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth. Carrick left Fernandes on the bench for that match, a decision that has come under greater scrutiny as United prepare to face fifth-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandes decision in focus
Fernandes was dropped after criticising United’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como. Carrick described leaving him out against Bournemouth as a “pure football” decision, but United struggled without the midfielder’s influence.
“It was a decision based on what we felt was right for the game. That’s it,” Carrick said on Thursday. “Bruno is fully committed to this football club and there are absolutely no issues. We move forward, make decisions as we go and focus on Saturday’s game.”
Carrick said Fernandes remains captain following talks between them. United have seven points from eight league matches, while Chelsea go into the fixture after a home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Top four meet elsewhere
The weekend also brings matches between the Premier League’s top four. Leaders Manchester City host third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, while champions Arsenal visit fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday.
City are looking to respond to a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa, their first league defeat of the season. Arsenal are level with City on 21 points, five clear of Brighton, but arrive after Fleetwood Town knocked them out of the League Cup on penalties in the fourth round.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he could not fault his players’ effort against Fleetwood, who stand 18th in League Two, but said his side lacked cutting edge. Arsenal have scored 13 Premier League goals this season, compared with City’s 20 and Brighton’s 23.
What comes next
For Carrick, the immediate question is whether to recall Fernandes against Chelsea or keep faith with the selection he made against Bournemouth. He said United’s players were hurting because they had not won enough matches, but insisted they had the hunger to improve.
Saturday’s trip offers United a chance to halt their winless run.
Source: Free Malaysia Today. This article was compiled by the iBET.news newsroom from the source report and other public information.
