Michael Carrick said he has had difficult conversations with the Manchester United hierarchy and his players during their turbulent start to the season.

United have not won in their past eight games and start the weekend in 16th place of 20 in the league, one point above the relegation zone.

Carrick’s position was under threat after losing last Sunday to Bournemouth but he has held on to his job for the time being and been given the chance to turn things around, starting at Chelsea on Saturday.

The head coach suggested he had spoken with the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, and the chief executive, Omar Berrada, this week.

“It’s pretty clear, it’s not always rosy and nice conversations between anyone, whether that’s between me and the players, whether that’s between me, Jason, Omar or the owners,” Carrick said. “It’s the truth, it’s the hard truth at times and it’s what we need to move forward.…