The four decisions Carrick must make NOW as Man Utd boss gets stay of execution

So Michael Carrick remains as Manchester United boss, for now at least.

It seems even he was convinced that time was up after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth on Sunday with the Red Devils boss doing what looked like a farewell lap for the Old Trafford crowd, who continued to sing his name.

The loss came just days after a 4-1 battering in Como and leaves United without a win in eight games and languishing down in 16th with a group of players who, once again, look disinterested.

All the smart money was on Carrick getting the boot on Monday and when he rocked up at Carrington, it was then expected that an announcement would come. That didn't happen and it is now understood that Carrick will be given the chance to lead out United when they head to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.

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The Old Trafford hierarchy had been discussing their next move with alternative bosses being eyed, but there is clearly a willingness to stick with what they have. Not only because Carrick retains the fans' backing, but also because the current leadership structure have hired and fired far too many managers to be considered competent.

So if the current status quo in the dugout is to remain at Stamford Bridge this weekend, what can Carrick do to enhance his chances of turning things round?

He's not going to simply roll out the U21s, although they'd possibly do a better job at present. But it was a sad indictment on Sunday that one of the most exciting players was Shea Lacey, the homegrown talent who came on in the second-half. His desire, speed and willingness to push the envelope was a minor bright spark.

Those with the club in the blood always seem to find an extra percent or two, and the current playing squad are again being accused of downing tools with another manager potentially paying for their continued failings.

Again, this might mean turning to individuals who have limited experience or first-team exposure, but can things really get any worse than they are? Leny Yoro filled in at right-back on Sunday and was exposed. Too often this season the team have played without a genuine centre forward.

Yes injuries have contributed massively to that, but roll the dice and use players who have been learning that position, even if their careers are only just starting out. And if that means turning to the youth ranks, then do it. Carrick has tasked different attackers with leading the line, but none have proved effective and it is him who will lose out as a result.

Carrick chose to retain Lisandro Martinez in his starting side after his outburst, but Bruno Fernandes' rant was certainly targeted at the United manager. As a result the Portuguese star was dropped to the bench at the weekend, where he remained on Sunday even when the Red Devils needed a spark.

The decision for Carrick now is whether to stick by his principles, or bring back his best player, even if he is underperforming. There's still a genuine possibility this could be his last game if the result goes against him, and can he look at Fernandes as a player who will dig deep for him? Questions will be asked about that.

The United boss cannot be accused of not trying to find a winning formula, but he's yet to land on one. So stop repeating a failed trick. Kobbie Mainoo, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have been tried in a variety of ways - sometimes two sit behind Fernandes, sometimes they'll play in a three.

None of those have worked, so again, with the United board ready to strike, at least give yourself a chance. Whether that involves Mount playing more centrally or turning to one of the Fletchers, because the current status quo is not working.