Youri Tielemans backs Michael Carrick as Man Utd reject calls for change

By SABC Sport
31st October 2026

Youri Tielemans has thrown his support behind Michael Carrick, insisting Manchester United need stability rather than another managerial change as they attempt to turn around their poor start to the season.

Carrick's position came under serious pressure following United's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth last Sunday, which extended their winless run to eight matches and left them just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

The performance at Old Trafford prompted widespread speculation that Carrick could be dismissed, despite having signed a two-year contract only five months ago.

However, the former Manchester United and England midfielder remains in charge and will look to start rebuilding confidence when his side visit Chelsea on Saturday.

Tielemans, who joined United from Aston Villa during the pre-season, revealed that Carrick's interest in bringing him to the club played a part in his decision to move.

"I came here partly because of him. He wanted me here and wants me to help the team out," the Belgium international told TNT Sports.

"I'm very happy for him to stay and the whole group, you know, we don't want a sudden change. We don't want a big change that is going to disrupt things more than they are.

"We just need stability. We need to keep working hard and then it's going to turn at some point."

United have collected just seven points from their opening eight league matches, their worst start to a league season since 1986.

Despite the growing criticism of Carrick, Tielemans believes the manager still has the confidence of his players and is urging the squad to remain focused.

Captain Bruno Fernandes previously questioned Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League, but Tielemans insists the manager continues to have the backing of the dressing room.

"What he has said is for us to keep working," Tielemans said.

"To trust that things are going to come well, to keep working hard, to keep doing the little details right, to be professional, to do your work and then at some point it is going to turn positively.

"He has a lot of trust in our abilities and we trust him as well to guide us through that, so we just need to keep doing good things and then hopefully good things will come."