Despite Michael Carrick being granted a delay in the decision, it remains uncertain whether the pressured Manchester United manager can survive the crucial trip to Chelsea.
Arsenal will face a significant challenge in defending the Premier League title against Liverpool, while Manchester City will play Brighton for the second time in four days. Below is an overview of the upcoming weekend's events.
Carrick Holds On
While Manchester United fans expected news of Michael Carrick's dismissal this week, an unexpected display of patience has given the underrated boss a new chance. When Carrick was seen entering the United training ground on Monday—just 24 hours after the humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth—it was widely assumed he would be sacked within hours.
Instead, United's management made a big surprise by deciding to keep Carrick for now. Carrick addressed his future: 'I fully understand the position. I am aware of the responsibilities. Therefore, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in this regard.'
It is doubtful whether Carrick can avoid the fate of the third manager dismissed by influential United figure Ratcliffe since his acquisition of a minority stake in the club in 2024. United is showing unsatisfactory form and is only one point above the relegation zone before the trip to Chelsea, who are in fifth place.
With no wins in eight matches across all competitions and the worst league start in 40 years, United must beat Chelsea to help Carrick avoid dismissal. However, with captain Bruno Fernandes suspended last week following criticism of Carrick's tactics, and defender Lisandro Martinez receiving a fine for criticizing the club's transfer policy, Carrick's team is far from stable.
Odegaard Calls for Arsenal to Get Back on Track
After one of the most humiliating defeats in the club's glorious history, Arsenal has a chance to erase the shame of their League Cup loss to Fleetwood when they meet title rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta's team was shocked by their exit from the tournament in a penalty shootout against fourth-division side Fleetwood following a disappointing 1-1 draw on Tuesday. The Premier League champions were significantly below their best level, and it was hard to believe it was the same team that won the title last season and looked hungry to retain the crown in the early weeks of this season.
A win at Anfield will restore Arsenal's confidence, and captain Martin Ødegaard urged his teammates to show character against fourth-placed Liverpool, who could close the gap to the Gunners by three points if they win this important match.
Ødegaard stated: 'Obviously, the way we played was not up to standard. We need to do much, much better than what we did.' He added: 'We cannot pity ourselves. We need to move forward; we have an important match this weekend, so getting back on track is all we can do right now.'
Manchester City Prepares for Second Clash with Brighton
Enzo Maresca warned his Manchester City stars that they will face a 'brilliant' Brighton, motivated by the desire for revenge after being knocked out of the League Cup.
'City' took the lead twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Brighton before winning in a penalty shootout in the League Cup Round of 16 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. City coach Maresca is a big admirer of third-placed Fabian Hurthler and is well aware of the danger they pose to the Premier League leaders in the rematch in Manchester on Saturday.
Maresca noted: 'They are in a brilliant moment. They are winning games, they are scoring many goals in every game.' He continued: 'I have watched all their Premier League games from the start, and they always play in an attacking style, one-on-one. On Saturday, they will be exactly the same.'
Match Schedule:
Saturday: Chelsea vs Manchester United, Bournemouth vs Leeds, Brentford vs Nottingham Forest, Coventry vs Sunderland, Hull vs Ipswich, Manchester City vs Brighton, Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, Aston Villa vs Fulham
Sunday: Liverpool vs Arsenal
