Manchester United’s hierarchy privately pledged to try to get to the November international break before having to act on Michael Carrick’s position during crisis talks in the wake of last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. Getting beaten at Stamford Bridge today (Saturday) in their next fixture surely had to be baked into that thinking, given United’s fragility and the attacking potency of Xabi Alonso’s west London side. But, once again, the question bears considering because their latest defeat keeps United on the brink of the relegation zone. Not since November 1986 have United been in the bottom three past August. That was the month, 40 years ago, that Ron Atkinson’s dismissal as manager led to the arrival of Alex Ferguson. Some who follow the club think dropping a division for the first time since the 1970s could be the catalyst for a change in ownership, but in reality the Glazers would only want to sell when United are worth the most money, which would be when they are in the Premier League. Whatever the damage inflicted from above on the culture at the club, this squad should, of course, have too much quality to actually go down next May. Players have to take responsibility. Today, Lisandro Martinez recklessly threw away United’s chance of getting something from the game.   submitted by   /u/ChiefLeef22 [link]   [comments]