Michael Carrick has been handed a temporary reprieve, but a crucial trip to Chelsea could determine whether the under-pressure Manchester United manager can extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, Arsenal face a major test of their Premier League title ambitions against Liverpool, while Manchester City prepare to meet Brighton for the second time in just four days.

AFP Sport examines three key talking points ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action.

Carrick fights to save his job

With Manchester United supporters expecting news of Michael Carrick’s dismissal this week, the club’s decision to show patience has given the struggling manager another opportunity to turn things around.

When Carrick was spotted arriving at United’s Carrington training ground on Monday, just a day after a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, speculation was rife that he would be sacked within hours.

However, the club’s hierarchy surprised many by deciding to keep him in charge, at least for the time being.

“I totally get the position. I understand the responsibilities. So, I really don’t need any assurances from anyone in that regard,” Carrick said when asked about his future.

Nevertheless, doubts remain over whether he can avoid becoming the third manager dismissed by United powerbroker Jim Ratcliffe since acquiring a minority stake in the club in 2024.

United have endured a miserable run of results and sit just one point above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday’s difficult encounter with fifth-placed Chelsea.

Having gone eight matches without a victory in all competitions and recorded their worst league start in 40 years, United desperately need three points to ease the pressure on Carrick.

However, the atmosphere within the squad appears far from ideal. Captain Bruno Fernandes was left out last weekend after questioning Carrick’s tactics, while defender Lisandro Martinez was fined after criticising the club’s transfer policy.

Odegaard calls on Arsenal to respond

After suffering one of the most embarrassing defeats in their recent history, Arsenal have an immediate opportunity to put their disappointment behind them when they travel to face title rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were stunned by fourth-tier opponents Fleetwood Town, suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat in the League Cup after a disappointing 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

The performance was well below Arsenal’s usual standards, raising questions about the team’s ability to maintain the form that helped them secure last season’s Premier League title and begin the current campaign strongly.

A victory at Anfield would provide a significant confidence boost, with captain Martin Odegaard urging his team-mates to show their character against fourth-placed Liverpool.

The Reds could move within three points of Arsenal with a win in one of the weekend’s biggest fixtures.

“Obviously, the way we’ve played was not on the level. We need to do much, much better than we did,” Odegaard said.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We need to move on, we have a big game at the weekend, so bouncing back is all we can do now.”

Man City prepare for Brighton rematch

Enzo Maresca has warned his Manchester City players to expect another difficult challenge against a “brilliant” Brighton side determined to respond after their League Cup disappointment.

City were forced to come from behind twice before securing a 2-2 draw against Brighton in Wednesday’s League Cup last-16 clash at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League leaders eventually progressed after winning the penalty shoot-out.

Despite that victory, City manager Maresca has plenty of respect for Fabian Hurzeler’s team, who currently sit third in the league and have impressed with their attacking football.

The two sides meet again in Manchester on Saturday, with Brighton eager to claim a response in the Premier League.

“They are in a brilliant moment. They are winning games, they are scoring many goals every game,” Maresca said.

“I’ve watched all their Premier League games since we started, and they always go front foot, man to man. They’re going to be exactly the same on Saturday.”