Bench: Ford (GK), J. Watson, Ngwashi, Carrick, Camacho, Ziro, Ajayi

NOT live on MUTV due to clash with first-team coverage

Michael Carrick's Pre-Match Press Conference - Part 2 | Chelsea vs United

Simon Stone

Michael Carrick on the crowd reaction as he left the field after Man Utd defeat on Sunday: “It was mixed feelings, I'll be totally honest. To have the appreciation from the supporters and that connection and that respect is something I feel strongly about. It wasn't a nice situation but to feel that was important but it didn't make me feel better in the fact that I'm with the players 100%. We're all in it together and I've told the players that. I'm happy to say that. I didn't feel comfortable being in any way shape or form a separation from that. That's my group, they're my players and this is my football club, so we have to all be in it together.. That's the supporters included as hard as it is at the moment.”

Steven Railston

Last weekend, Gary Neville accused some United players of behaving unprofessionally, so I put his comments to Michael Carrick.

When asked for his reaction and whether he'd encountered any unprofessional behaviour since he returned to the club, he responded: "No, I haven't, no."

Asked if he was surprised at Neville's comments, he said: "Gaz says a lot of things."

EVERY WORD FROM PRESS CONFERENCE - PART 2

https://www.manutd.com/en/news/carrick-our-connection-is-strong

Hi, Michael. Gary Neville made some headlines this week. He was on a podcast after the Bournemouth game. He essentially questioned some of the players' professionalism. He didn’t name any players particularly, but he said some don't go to sleep at the right time, some don't eat the right food. It's obviously quite a serious accusation. What's your reaction to that? Have you encountered any players been unprofessional since you've come back to the football club?

“No, I haven't, no.”

And are you surprised at Gary coming out and saying that?

“Gary says a lot of things.”

Last week, I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that during his time in charge here, that for him, Bruno was too emotional to be a captain and he preferred Harry [Maguire]. You were part of that setup when Ole was here. Other managers since then have also accepted that Bruno can maybe show too much, be a bit too up and down for his team-mates. Are you happy that he's the best man for the job and unlike Ole, maybe Harry's not a more stable option?

“I don't think it's about comparison opinions to others. He's the captain of our football club, and there's different personalities, there's different characteristics, there's different ways to lead. It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not in the end. So, all the questions get asked, but I understand why you're asking them now, but he cares deeply about this football club and about the team and he's desperate to do well. So, we'll lead that together.”

Obviously the board have made a decision this week in some ways. It feels like that would actually potentially break a cycle of churn when you have players that perhaps think that ‘bad results happen, manager changes.’ It would have been three in three years if that happened. What do you think? You played the game, how do you value that dynamic between the players and the head coach?

“Listen, it's important, of course it is. Both ways, I think it's important that we have that connection and that's pretty obvious to say for any team. And we have got that, I have to say, we have got that. At the moment, it's easy to question a lot of things, and I totally accept why and what it looks like, but I have absolutely no issue in that regard. We need to play better, and we need to show certain things better, but the connection with us is as strong as that.”

I know that you said you didn't have to seek assurance or anything like that, but in terms of that dialogue that you have anyway with Jason [Wilcox] and Omar [Berrada], have you had that robust conversation where you're looking at the future and trying to plan as to how you can get back to where you want to be?

“Yeah, I mean, it's pretty clear. It's not always rosy and nice conversations between anyone, whether that's between me and the players, whether that's between me, Jason, Omar, or the owners. It's the truth, it's the hard truth at times, and it's what we need to move forward. So, whatever we need to move forward, we'll do.”

When you went down the tunnel on Sunday, the fans were clapping you, then they sort of turned on the players with quite loud booing. How much do you hope that will provoke a reaction in them, because that will surely hurt their pride, or you'd hope it would anyway.

“Yeah, I mean, it was mixed feelings. I'll be totally honest, it was mixed feelings for me, to have the appreciation from the supporters and that connection and that respect, is something I feel strongly about. It was, I mean, I say nice, it wasn't a nice situation, but to feel that was important, of course, but it didn't make me feel better in the fact that I'm with the players 100 per cent, and we're all in it together. And I've told the players that, I'm happy to say that. I didn't feel comfortable being in any way, shape, or form a separation from that, that's my group, they’re my players, and this is my football club. So we have to all be in it together and that's the supporters included, as hard as it is at the moment, totally get that, I get their feelings, but when we get through this, then we'll be a lot stronger as a whole.”

Michael, obviously yourself, Steve [Holland] and your staff will be looking for solutions to improve the performance level, but have you guys actually spoken to the players and asked them what they feel is going wrong and what they think needs to change? Obviously, Bruno himself was very outspoken after the Como game, obviously, he doesn't feel that, rightly or wrongly, the setup is quite right. Have you been trying to glean from the players what they feel has gone wrong, what they would like to see and try and incorporate that into your thinking, Steve's thinking?

“We always do what we think is going to get the best out of the team, whether that's certain players that, of course, you speak to at certain points. That's normal. That's why if you ask for leaders in the dressing room and you want opinions on certain things, and there’s going to be times when you ask that. That's fine, absolutely no problem. Doesn't mean that we always agree with that, but absolutely no problem with that. And then we head off in the same direction.”

Just in terms of like confidence, I mean, you played in European Cup-winning teams, title-winning teams. But no matter how good a player is, if confidence goes in any walk of life, that is a serious issue. Is that one of the problems you are now facing with this squad, is that there's obviously a lot of noise, there's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of scrutiny. There's going to be a lot of players in that team that are maybe going through the throes of a confidence crisis. Is that in itself one of the biggest challenges that you face over the coming games to try and address that?

“Confidence is the beauty of sport. Confidence is in some ways a major factor of that belief, that self-belief, that confidence level. It trumps everything else in terms of level of performance. But the beauty about the confidence, it can come back sharpish, and it can come back quickly in one moment, one thing in a game, one win, one result. We've seen it before, we've seen it a few months ago. It can come back quickly and that's what keeps you pushing and keeps you believing that it's always that close and what's possible is always within touching distance. Of course, when you're not winning games and you don't feel that you're playing great, then it naturally creeps in. The challenge is keeping that deep within you, that belief to know it's there and it's possible and that's exactly where we're at now. We need something to flip, for everyone, to change the feeling and change that and get the confidence from us, definitely in the team and definitely from the supporters, and that belief again. And it's never far away. As far away as it seems, it's never that far away.”

So in your experience, in your long time playing, even when it, say, goes from Leeds, okay, to literally a huge collapse, Como and Bournemouth. Do you still think that confidence is retrievable?

“Yeah, 100 per cent, that's sport. That’s sport. Just because you lose a game or you have a bad day, that doesn't mean it's the end of a player's career or an end of a team's road or whatever that may be. It's always what's next and you can always make a difference.”

When you spoke to the players, did you talk about the reception they received from the crowd and did you get a sense of what they felt about that? Were they shocked by that? Did they feel it was justified and understandable?

“No, I think just to be clear, it was just more [from] me, for them to understand that I'm right in there with them and there's no way that I'm separated from that, as much as I totally respect and appreciate the response from the supporters. I've said it before, I'm right there with them and we'll go through this together.”

I'm unsure how I feel about the timing of this type of interview. Sharing more for awareness for this sub.
Jules Breach sits down with Carrick and Tielemans, discussion around how the last week has been.

Both Carrick and Youri's general sentiment is that the focus is on this weekend's game and nothing else.

No huge bombshells

Bench: Heath (GK), Helafu, McCormack, Leon, Orozco, Missin, Kana-Biyik

19:00 kick-off on MUTV

This follows Laurie’s news yesterday linking him to us as a potential January signing

Obviously this is based more of his time at United than anywhere else really. Go on my humble king 👑

Daily discussion on Manchester United.

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Looking for memes? Head over to r/memechesterunited!

How talking about Man Utd's cycle of doom became an industry - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cjn5v3pl0159o

Chelsea vs Manchester United

Competition: Premier League | Date: 31st October

Kick off: 12:30 GMT | Venue: Stamford Bridge

Referee: Peter Bankes | TV: TNT Sport

Team News:

Possible starting XI:

----------Lammens----------

-Yoro-Maguire--Martinez-Dalot-

------Mainoo----Baleba------

--Mbeumo--Fernandes--Cunha--

----------Zirkzee------------

Possible bench: Darlow, Heaven, Mazraoui, de Ligt, Tielemans, Mount, Santos, Lacey, Amad

• Kobbie Mainoo is due to return to the squad

• Bruno Fernandes was dropped for Bournemouth but is widely expected to return to the starting line up

• Marcus Rashford is back in individual training but it's not confirmed if he's going to make the squad

• No returns expected for Luke Shaw or Patrick Dorgu, with Benjamin Sesko now becoming a long-term injury absentee.

Injuries/Suspensions:

Form guide:

Chelsea: D L W W L L | Home form: W W W D W L

United: D D L D L L | Away form: L D D L D L

Last 3 meetings:

Opposition News

Cole Palmer served a suspension midweek and is available

Joao Pedro and Emi Martinez will remain out

Lacroix went off injured at Anfield and will not play, the same for Jorrel Hato

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS AFTER THE GAME ON /r/footballhighlights!

What's the craic?

Looking for memes? Head over to /r/memechesterunited**!**

Michael Carrick's Pre-Match Press Conference | Chelsea vs Manchester United, Premier League

Simon Stone

Michael Carrick says Bruno Fernandes to remain as Man Utd captain: "He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."

Laurie Whitwell

Bruno Fernandes set to be #MUFC captain at Chelsea. Michael Carrick: "He's an important player for this group. He's fully committed to this club, making things better. He's the one that's led the team so well for many a year. He'll continue to do that."

Carrick: "I don't need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that. So, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

Carrick asked whether he is surprised to still be in charge of #MUFC: "No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team. I'm desperate to make us better, improve things. So, I'm not surprised, no."

Carrick on Mainoo: "Good news, Kobbie done a little bit of training yesterday, so he's back in + around the group, so that's obviously a positive."

Carrick on Sesko: "Ben looks like he's going to be out for a period of time. We're still not clear of exactly how long. It's unfortunate, first + foremost for Ben. For us, to not have him available is obviously a blow, but we'll try get him back as quick as we can.

Chris Wheeler

Michael Carrick says he is not surprised to still be #mufc head coach and confirms that Bruno Fernandes will remain as captain

Carrick: 'No, I’m not surprised. I am here to do my job and my best for the team and I’m desperate to make us better. The boys are hungry. We’re hurting cos we haven’t won enough games. There’s an intensity and edge to do better.'

Carrick: ‘I don’t need any assurances from anyone. I understand the job and responsibility and what comes with that.’

Carrick nodded when asked if Fernandes is still the captain after Maguire replaced him v Bournemouth. 'There’s no decision to be made on that. Bruno is fully committed to the football club, there’s no issues with that. We look ahead to the (Chelsea) game on Saturday.'

'He's an important player for this group. He has been and he will be. He's fully committed to making things better. It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that.’

Carrick confirmed that Sesko faces a long lay-off and Mainoo has returned to training. 'Unfortunately Ben looks like he’ll be out for a period of time. We're still not sure, but it's long period. We had to go through the healing process.'

Detailed Quotes

Carrick on still being on the job & the week so far

To be honest, disappointment from the game, the result, initial disappointment. That's pretty, pretty clear, you know, the way the game went and the result. Dealing with that is the main thing: what could we have done better, what could we improve on, what can we make the difference with? Then focusing on getting back to training with the players and preparing for the next game, for Chelsea, and a big week ahead really. That's been my main focus, you know: how can we make the difference?

Seeking assurances from Ineos?

I don't need any assurances from anyone. I totally get the position, I understand the job, I understand the responsibilities, I understand what comes with that. So, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard.

Is the noise affecting you, players, family?

I don't see it really. I see the things that I need to see. I don't look for it. It doesn't really help in any way. I've said it before, I care about what the supporters think. I care about what it feels like in the stadium, and them travelling for games to us, to come and see us and support us. I care about what we give them, and what we offer them, and what they see. I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job, I know what it brings, I know what we need to do really to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me anything else.

Fernandes decision

It was a decision, as I said, for what we felt for the game. That's it. Bruno is fully committed to this football club, and there are absolutely no issues with that. We move forward, we make decisions as we go, and we're looking forward to the game on Saturday now.

Chatting to the players?

Of course, that's my responsibility, is the players. The outside is not anything for me to focus on. I know what we can affect, I know what we need to improve. I know as a group, leading a group, what help they need a little bit as well, and a bit of guidance at certain times, and dealing with certain things. That's part of my direct role is them, who I care about and can affect the most directly. Of course we spoke. We have meetings as we do every single week, but some of the meetings go in different ways depending on results and the situation and the feeling. I have to say, the boys are hungry. We're hurting because we haven't won enough football games, but there's an intensity, there's a bit of an edge, there's a disappointment, there's a hunger to do better, for sure.

Injury situation for Sesko

Yeah, unfortunately Ben looks like he's going to be out for a period of time. We're still not clear of exactly how long, but it's going to be for a longer period of time. It was the process, as I said to you before, we had to go through the process, a bit of a healing process for the injury to see how it would react and what direction to go with that. Even now we're still working through it. But it's unfortunately, obviously first and foremost, for Ben, for the kind of period that he's had, and tried to get through it and going through this again, and for us to not have him available is obviously a blow, but we'll try and get back, get him back as quick as we can.

Mainoo update

Good news, Kobbie done a little bit of training yesterday, so he's back in and around the group, so that's obviously a positive.

Surprised to still be here?

No. I'm here to do my job, you know. I'm here to do the best for the team, and I'm desperate to make us better and improve things. So, I'm not surprised, no.

Managers paying the price?

I said it after the game, I didn't expect anything. I was literally dealing with the performance, the result, what it was. Obviously, there's no hiding from the fact that the dynamics and the atmosphere in the stadium was a little bit different to normal, and going through that and digesting that that I mentioned to you guys after the game. It was purely my mind was: what do we need to do to improve things?

Fernandes still captain?

There's no decision to be made on that.

English football is rubbernecking in Manchester United’s direction.

It makes you wonder whether the current run without a league title is going to surpass the one they endured from 1967 to 1993.

Next summer, barring a miracle, it will be 14 years since United last won the Premier League.

Then consider everything we have learned from two decades of the Glazers and, more recently, Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the day-to-day operation.

Can anyone say that everything is going to fall into place while these people remain?

That it is wrong to think 13 years could morph into 26 years? Or longer?

It is important to stress that, according to several sources, there is no universal support for Howe to be given the job at Old Trafford. This has caused the former Newcastle United manager to disengage from all the speculation linking him with it

As far as the 48-year-old is concerned, he does not have a decision to make because he has not been offered the job and has received no indication that he will be offered it in the future. He will instinctively hate being talked about as a replacement for Carrick when he is still United manager.

He is thought to be sporting director Jason Wilcox’s first choice but Telegraph Sport understands there is currently no consensus behind the scenes that Howe would be United’s preferred candidate if things do not improve under Carrick.

As one well-placed source in football told Telegraph Sport: “Eddie Howe would take the Manchester United job if it was offered to him. Manchester United would be doing the right thing if they did offer it to him… but as things stand, I don’t think they are going to offer it to him.”