Manchester United: Carrick remains unfazed despite crisis

Retained despite poor results, Carrick refuses to demand guarantees and has reconciled with Bruno Fernandes

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Manchester United: Carrick remains unfazed despite crisis

Michael Carrick says he understands the pressure at Manchester United. Retained in his position, the Englishman must turn around a struggling team and re-energise his captain, Bruno Fernandes.

Michael Carrick is not asking his board for any special protection. Despite Manchester United’s results and the questions surrounding his future, the English manager says he understands the demands of his position: “I don’t need any guarantees from anyone. I fully understand the situation, the work and the responsibilities.”

Asked whether he was still surprised to be in charge, he also replied: “Am I surprised to still be Manchester United’s manager? No. I’m here to do my job.” Carrick says he wants to improve his team, whose start to the season remains very concerning.

Two wins in twelve matches in all competitions

The Red Devils’ record illustrates the scale of the crisis: two wins, four draws and six defeats in twelve official matches, with 17 goals scored and 22 conceded. United are on an eight-match winless run since their victory over Sabah on 10 September.

Premier League: one win, four draws and three defeats in eight matchdays. With seven points, Manchester United sit 16th, one point above the relegation zone. Bournemouth have just won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Champions League: three points from three matches. After beating Sabah (4-0), United lost to Atlético Madrid (0-2), then suffered a heavy defeat at Como (1-4).
League Cup: eliminated in their opening match against Brighton (3-2), despite having led 2-0.

The board gives him another chance

After the defeat to Bournemouth, the club’s leaders discussed his future before keeping Carrick in the dugout. The Englishman has therefore been given a reprieve in an attempt to revive his team, although his position remains fragile.

The next test will come away to Chelsea on Saturday, 31 October, in the Premier League. Manchester United will then host Roma in the Champions League, before facing Aston Villa ahead of the international break.

Tensions eased with Bruno Fernandes

Carrick also spoke with Bruno Fernandes to ease their disagreement. The Portuguese midfielder had criticised the team’s tactical approach after the debacle in Como, before remaining on the bench against Bournemouth.

The two men spoke on Tuesday at Carrington, determined to focus on the team’s collective recovery. Carrick confirmed that Fernandes would keep the captain’s armband. The captain should regain an important role against Chelsea, at a time when United need a reaction on the pitch.

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