United have gone eight games without a win in all competitions, with Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth leaving them just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

The Red Devils have won only two of their 12 matches in all competitions this season. Their return of seven points from eight league games represents their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.

However, Carrick was defiant when asked about his position ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea.

"No. I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team," he said. "I'm desperate to make things better and improve things. I'm not surprised, no."

The former United and England midfielder also dismissed the suggestion that he needed public support from the club's hierarchy to continue in the role.

"I don't need assurances from anyone," Carrick said. "I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that."

Carrick also defended captain Bruno Fernandes, who was left on the bench against Bournemouth after reportedly criticising the manager's tactics following United's 4-1 defeat by Como.

Asked about the Portugal international's commitment, Carrick said the decision to leave him out was based on the requirements of that particular match.

"That's it. Bruno is fully committed to this football club. I've got no issues with that; we move forward," he added.

Carrick received applause from some supporters as he walked towards the tunnel after the Bournemouth defeat, while the players were met with boos from disgruntled fans.

Former United captain Gary Neville, who played alongside Carrick at Old Trafford, suggested on Thursday that a managerial change could be necessary.

"Sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good," Neville said.

Carrick, however, insisted he had no intention of walking away and remained focused on what needed to change at the club.

"I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else. I know this job, and I know what we need to be better," he said.

He also backed his players to respond, insisting they were hurting after their recent performances and remained determined to turn things around.

"The boys are hungry," Carrick said. "We're hurting because we haven't won enough football games. But there is an intensity, an edge, a hunger to do better."

United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Carrick under increasing pressure to deliver a result that could help ease the growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Gernot Rohr: Mamelodi Sundowns synergy spurs Bafana Bafana to victory