No surprise to Carrick he's still Man Utd manager

Under-pressure Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said Thursday he was "here to do my job" as he insisted he needed "no assurances" over his future at Old Trafford.

Carrick also said he was unsurprised to still be in charge after a woeful run of results and gave his backing to United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal midfielder Fernandes was left on the bench for last week's loss at home to Bournemouth following his criticism of Carrick's tactics in a 4-1 thrashing by Como.

Carrick's position has been the subject of intense speculation after a miserable run of eight games without a win.

Sunday's 3-0 humbling loss at home to Bournemouth left the English giants one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

United have won just two of 12 matches in all competitions this season, with a return of seven points from eight league games representing their worst start to a league season in 40 years.

But Carrick remains in charge and, speaking ahead of Saturday's match away to Chelsea, the 45-year-old former United and England midfielder was in defiant mood.

Asked if he was still surprised to be in post, he told reporters: "No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team. I'm desperate to make things better and improve things. I'm not surprised, no."