Through a journalist briefing, Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick will be given a second chance to turn this season around. 

The Red Devils are on an eight-game winless run since their 4-0 Champions League win against Sabah FK, including 4-1 and 3-0 defeats to Como and Bournemouth. 

There also appears to be unrest in the first-team squad, with Lisandro Martínez speaking out after the Atletico Madrid loss – directing his comments towards Jason Wilcox – and Bruno Fernandes questioning the tactics after the defeat in Italy. 

Fernandes and Martínez were both named on the bench against Bournemouth, but the Argentine came on in the second half. Fernandes was an unused substitute. 

Several reports have emerged since Manchester United announced their decision to stick by Michael Carrick before their trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend. 

ESPN have said that the support Carrick received while walking off the pitch did not go unnoticed by the higher-ups at Old Trafford. The former midfielder was serenaded by the Manchester United fans, but as soon as he disappeared down the tunnel, a cacophony of boos and jeers met the first-team squad. 

Which could be why, in their journalist briefing, United said that Carrick and the players were being given a chance to turn the season around, suggesting that it is not just the head coach who is on thin ice at Old Trafford. 

The Sun have also reported that the players and staff are focused on providing a response to their disappointing 3-0 loss last weekend. 

The three games before the international break – Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa – will be crucial in Michael Carrick's future at Old Trafford. He needs to pick players he can trust, but does that include Bruno Fernandes? 

Harry Maguire took the captaincy with Fernandes named on the bench against Bournemouth, and until the Cherries netted their opener, United looked better than they have done. 

In the first 45 minutes, Carrick's side had 56% possession and registered seven touches in the opposition's penalty area. The performance was way off what United fans would expect, but it could be seen as a step in the right direction. 

However, the response after conceding will tell Carrick that Maguire is not the captain for him, as Erik ten Hag found several years ago. 

Since Casemiro's summer exit, there has been a notable lack of leadership shown on the pitch – Fernandes included. But the Portuguese may be the best option as things stand. 

Bruno Fernandes needs to improve, but if anyone in Michael Carrick's squad can return the side to the top half of the Premier League, it is him. 

Carrick's selection against Chelsea will be telling.