Manchester United kept Michael Carrick in charge ahead of their match against Chelsea. Gary Neville said he was surprised but happy with that decision after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth left United in 16th place.
Neville's reaction
Speaking on Sky Sports, United legend Neville said: "Look, I’m happy. I’m surprised but I’m happy because I was absolutely certain that what I witnessed on Sunday would be the end of Michael."
He added: "It looked like it when he was walking round at the end on his own with the players behind him. It was almost a goodbye lap, he was waving to the fans almost in an apologetic manner but also a goodbye. So I am really surprised that ultimately Michael is still in the job but I’m happy with it because the fact of the matter is it was very difficult on Sunday."
Carrington and alternatives
Carrick was present at Carrington to oversee training on Tuesday morning. Manchester United were reportedly exploring Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, and Fabian Hurzeler as alternatives to Carrick.
Carrick's response
Carrick said: "It wasn’t a farewell from me."
He also said: "I have mixed emotions, I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment. Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way. To have that connection with the supporters it’s mixed emotions, it’ll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support. The situation is where we are and we haven’t had results or performances that have been good enough."
Form before Chelsea
The Bournemouth defeat was Manchester United's eighth game without a victory across all competitions. United had already gone out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 loss to Brighton, while Chelsea were also coming off a 2-0 loss to Tottenham.
Neville said: "How it is going to go over the next couple of weeks, I have no idea. I hope he can somehow get those players to start playing for him again. They haven’t played for him in the last few weeks."