Michael Carrick under pressure as winless Manchester United prepare for Bournemouth

Michael Carrick goes into Sunday's Premier League game against Bournemouth with his future as Manchester United head coach openly questioned. United lost 4-1 at Como in the Champions League on Wednesday and have not won in seven games in all competitions. Reports in the English press on Friday say the club's leadership is discussing a possible replacement. United have made no announcement. The match at Old Trafford kicks off at 10pm on Sunday, Malaysia time.

How United got here

The defeat in Italy was United's latest setback. Nico Paz scored inside two minutes for Como and finished with two goals and an assist. Joshua Zirkzee's stoppage-time goal was the only reply. A week earlier, United lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. In the league, they drew 1-1 at Leeds last weekend.

United are 13th in the Premier League with seven points from seven games: one win, four draws and two defeats. Reports describe it as the club's worst league start in 40 years.

Carrick and Fernandes speak

Carrick called the Como performance unacceptable and apologised to United fans in Italy. He said he had not been thinking about his own position. He also said his apology carried no extra meaning, because he always goes over to the supporters.

Captain Bruno Fernandes raised questions about the approach. He said United did not press well enough and pointed to a staff decision not to press man-to-man, which he felt left space behind the defence. Asked if he was criticising the manager, he said it was for Carrick and his staff to review.

What the reports say

On Friday, SPORTbible, citing the Daily Mail, reported disagreement inside United's football department about who should come in if Carrick leaves. According to that report, director of football Jason Wilcox prefers a coach with Premier League experience. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to favour Julian Nagelsmann. The report named Eddie Howe as the most likely appointment and suggested the Bournemouth game could be Carrick's last.

These claims are unconfirmed. United have not commented, and Carrick remains in charge for Sunday's match.

Bournemouth arrive in form

Bournemouth do not have a strong league record either. They are 15th with six points, one fewer than United. But Marco Rose's side come to Manchester after a 3-0 win over 10-man AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday. That was their third win from three in their first European campaign. Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier scored penalties and Amine Adli scored a free-kick.

The short turnaround could be a factor. Bournemouth played on Thursday night and have three days to recover before Sunday afternoon in Manchester.

Watching in Malaysia

Manchester United v Bournemouth kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October. The UK clocks go back that morning, so it starts at 10pm in Malaysia. Astro Premier League 2, Astro Go and sooka are listed as broadcasters in Malaysia.

Key takeaways

• Manchester United are winless in seven games after a 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.
• United are 13th in the Premier League with seven points from seven matches.
• English media report that Carrick's job is under review, but the club has said nothing.
• Bournemouth, 15th in the league, beat AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.
• The match at Old Trafford starts at 10pm on Sunday in Malaysia.

FAQ

Has Michael Carrick been sacked? No. As of Friday 23 October, United had made no announcement. Reports about his future and possible replacements are unconfirmed.

What time is Manchester United v Bournemouth in Malaysia? Kick-off is 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, which is 10pm in Malaysia.

Where are Manchester United in the Premier League table? United are 13th with seven points from seven games. Bournemouth are 15th with six.

Sources: Flashscore, Reuters via The Star, World Soccer Talk, SPORTbible, theScore, Sky Sports, LiveSoccerTV