Michael Carrick has insisted that Manchester United's current woes cannot be blamed on a lack of commitment from the players.

The club's 2-0 Boxing Day loss to Stoke City represented their fourth defeat on the trot to leave them sixth in the table, nine points behind leaders Leicester City.

The poor form has put the future of manager Louis van Gaal into increasing uncertainty, but vice-captain Carrick insists that the squad are doing all they can to help the Dutchman lift them out of the rut.

"People talk about support but it is not like the lads go out and don't play," the 34-year-old told reporters. "We go out there as professionals who are playing for this special club. We are in a privileged position. And it comes from within as well.

"For me, I look at myself at what I can do better as an individual. I have a lot of pride in myself and in my performances and I think it is a bit disrespectful when people say that the lads aren't trying for the manager.

"That hurts us a lot because that is not the type of people we are. We haven't won games and it is fair enough if people criticise things that have gone wrong on the pitch. But to I think to say we are not trying for certain people is quite disrespectful and it hurts us a lot."

The Red Devils welcome fallen champions Chelsea to Old Trafford this evening, with the result expected to determine Van Gaal's future.