Tielemans calls for stability as Carrick remains in charge of Manchester United

Youri Tielemans says the Manchester United squad are “very happy” that Michael Carrick has been retained as manager despite the club’s worst run of results since 2015.

Carrick had widely been expected to become the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season after Manchester United suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. That result followed a disappointing 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

However, the club’s hierarchy decided against making a quick change. Carrick, who played for Manchester United from 2006 to 2018, has instead been given time to halt the slide and restore the team’s form.

Tielemans, who joined Manchester United from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window as one of three midfield signings, said Carrick’s presence was one of the main reasons he chose to move to Old Trafford.

“I came here partly because of him, because he wanted me and wanted to help the team,” Tielemans told TNT Sports.

He also said the players did not want further disruption, according to ESPN.

“So I’m very happy he’s staying, and the whole team doesn’t want a sudden change,” he added. “We don’t want a radical change that causes even more instability than there already is; we need stability, we need to keep working hard, and at some point things will turn for the better.”

Manchester United have not won any of their past eight matches in all competitions.

They currently sit 16th in the Premier League with seven points, only one point above Nottingham Forest, who occupy the first relegation place.

Carrick’s side will attempt to begin reversing their fortunes when they travel to face Chelsea on Saturday, 31 October 2026. The match is one of the headline fixtures in the ninth round of Premier League matches.

The decision to keep Carrick in charge has therefore been met with public backing from Tielemans, who says the squad believe continuity offers the best chance of improving results. The Belgian midfielder’s comments also highlight his personal connection with the manager, whose desire to bring him to Manchester United influenced his decision to leave Aston Villa.

Manchester United will now seek a response at Chelsea after a sequence of eight matches without victory has left them close to the relegation places.