When will Manchester United’s fall stop? Michael Carrick would undoubtedly like to have the answer, but for the moment, the former Red Devils midfielder has not found the solution. On Wednesday evening, the Mancunian club was outclassed by a very good Como team (4-1) in the Champions League, thus conceding its fifth defeat in 11 matches in all competitions this season. A situation as worrying as it is exasperating for the Mancunian microcosm, like Bruno Fernandes, who alerted about the situation of United and the tactics of his coach after the meeting, eight days after the controversial exit of Lisandro Martínez following the setback against Atlético de Madrid (2-0). In this context, Carrick’s position has become more fragile and the English technician is more than ever in the hot seat.
48 hours before the match against Bournemouth in the Premier League, the 45-year-old coach spoke to journalists. Even before the first question asked, Carrick delivered a lucid observation of the worrying situation of his club. “ I just want to say a few words, because I think it’s important… Lately things haven’t been going very well for us. I accept the situation we are currently going through. There was a period where I was happy with what we were doing as a team, but now we’re going through a rough patch. It was really unacceptable of us to play like that. Seeing the fans feel what we all felt, it was a difficult moment. It is my responsibility to field a team capable of assuming its responsibilities. Our supporters are of paramount importance. We must recognize that we have not been up to the task, the values of this club have been violated for many, many years… »
“ I am 100% sure I can turn things around »
“ This club has a resilience, whether it’s bouncing back… It’s grounded. Manchester United are still bigger than any individual », he continued before mentioning certain MU legends, such as Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson. “ We will continue to instill this within the group. So far it hasn’t gone well, and we need to show what that means. I have no right to be here. We cannot feel entitled to be here. I am fully aware that you have to work hard and invest in the club. It is important that we live up to this. Our supporters must feel it. We will get through this. Respect this football club. »
Once the press conference began, the man with 449 appearances for United was asked about his future. Especially since the names of Antonio Conte (before his denial), Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe have emerged in recent days to take over from him. “ We talked, the exchanges are permanent. A reaction (is expected) from me. Our responsibility is to lead the way. I’ll hold this umbrella to get myself wet, so everyone stays dry. I am 100% sure I can turn things around “, he confided, despite this painful atmosphere which surrounds the Mancunian club.
“ It hurts like hell, but it doesn’t stop me. We want even more. We have the impression that there is still a long way to go, but it only takes a little to turn the situation around. We have a very difficult match on Sunday. It won’t be fun. If you don’t share my mindset, you don’t belong here. » Despite the growing pressure and the worrying results, Michael Carrick remains convinced he can change the situation, even if a defeat at Bournemouth could spell the end of his adventure at United.
