Michael Carrick met reporters at Carrington on Thursday still in his job, days after United’s hierarchy opted against a change following a round of Monday meetings. The reprieve comes with his side 16th in the Premier League, one point above the drop zone, and on a seven-match winless run across all competitions.

Then came another setback. Carrick confirmed to Al Jazeera and other reporters that striker Benjamin Sesko will miss an extended period with a shin injury, a fresh blow to a frontline already stretched thin.

“Unfortunately it looks like Ben is going to be out for a period of time,” Carrick said. “We’re still not clear of exactly how long but it’s going to be for a longer period of time.”

Sesko has not featured since United’s Carabao Cup exit to Brighton last month and is now expected to be unavailable until at least January.

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Mainoo back in the group

The lone bright spot is in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo, who had been out since picking up a knock against Tottenham Hotspur, has returned to light training and is back around the squad, Carrick told Al Jazeera. Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw are not expected to be available at Stamford Bridge, with both targeting a return in November.

‘I am here to do my job’

The team news arrives against the backdrop of a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on 25 October that extended the winless run. It came days after United were beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League, one of the club’s heaviest European defeats in recent memory.

Potential replacements had been linked in the British press ahead of Monday’s talks, but Carrick kept his desk. Asked on Thursday whether he needed guarantees from the board, he told Al Jazeera he did not, adding that he understood the position, the job and the responsibility, and that he was focused on making the team better.

Carrick also publicly backed Bruno Fernandes, dropped to the bench against Bournemouth. The decision was tactical, the head coach insisted, and the captain would continue to lead the team.

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As Carrick walked off the Old Trafford pitch after Sunday’s loss, sections of the home support sang his name while the players were booed. That split in the stands weighed on the hierarchy’s decision to let him take the squad to west London.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is on Saturday, 31 October.

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