GOING, GOING... NOT GONE! Carrick keeps his job as Man Utd chiefs give under-fire boss another chance after talks

Michael Carrick has been given a stay of execution by Manchester United.

Carrick had been widely expected to be sacked following the dreadful 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. But he survived crisis talks at Carrington on Monday and took training as usual on Tuesday ahead of a crunch Premier League game against Chelsea this weekend.

United have won just two of their 12 matches in all competitions season. They sit 16th in the Premier League, having taken just seven points from eight games - the club's worst start since 1986/87.

The club have considered replacements, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, but have decided to stick rather than twist for now. Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell are reportedly split over Carrick's successor, with the former preferring Howe and the latter favouring Nagelsmann.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Carrick admitted that he was unsure over his position after overseeing the second heavy and embarrassing defeat on Sunday. "It's a tough situation, there's no hiding from it," he told Sky Sports when asked about his future.

"But what it looks like and what's next, I really don't know. I will always do what's best for this football club, I've said it all along and I don't change that now. I love what I do, I love the position I'm in. I feel the responsibility but we'll have to wait and see."

Carrick was summoned to Carrington on Monday for talks with club chiefs and returned early on Tuesday morning. He is taking training as usual ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Chelsea.

Make sure you don't miss the best Man Utd coverage by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Carrick appeared emotional as he left the Old Trafford pitch on Sunday, with the United supporters chanting his name in support. The former midfielder thanked the crowd in behaviour which some interpreted as a goodbye.

He was only appointed as permanent manager in the summer, having made a positive impact following his arrival in January in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sacking.

Things have not gone to plan, however, with just two wins coming so far this season, against newly-promoted Ipswich and Champions League minnows Sabah. The past few weeks have also keen defender Lisandro Martinez and captain Bruno Fernandes publicly air their frustrations.

Having been given time to turn things around, Carrick faces a very tough test in the coming weeks. After facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend, United play Roma, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Sporting Lisbon and Brentford in the Premier League and Champions League.