Michael Carrick is looking forward to “two great games this week” as he fights to save his job at Manchester United.
The 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday saw United’s run without a win extend to nine games in all competitions and they now sit outside the Premier League’s relegation zone on goal difference only.
Reports suggest Carrick has Tuesday’s Champions League game against Roma and the weekend clash with Aston Villa to turn things around but the former England midfielder offered a positive assessment on Monday when asked to describe his personal situation.
He said: “That has no influence on how we prepare for the game tomorrow. I can’t wait for the game. That is all I am focused on. What happens after, happens. Whatever direction it goes in.”
We know what we are capable of – United boss Carrick
United have turned in a series of abject performances in recent weeks but Carrick insists they are working hard behind the scenes and he remains confident the displays, and results, will improve.
“I know what we are capable of as a team and as a group,” he added. “We have showed it in spells and bursts, we showed it the other day.
“We were in a really good position going into the second half against Chelsea.
“We know what we are capable of. We are close but need to act on it quickly. We have two great games this week. A great opportunity to attack the games.”
Asked what was currently going wrong, Carrick said: “It is never one thing. We need to get better at certain things.
“Against Chelsea we did a lot of good things. It was incredible to come away from that first half without a goal.
“We have to find ourselves out of this moment. A lot of people could do my job when you are winning a lot of football games. It is about finding the solutions, finding the answers, staying strong, leading right and getting the best out of the players and we have to keep pushing for that.
“But it doesn’t change my mindset at all. I love being here, I love working with the players. The struggles, the challenges, that just drives you on to want even more.”
United boss Carrick backs Martinez to bounce back
United’s challenge at Chelsea fell away when defender Lisandro Martinez, who has been an outspoken critic of the club’s summer transfer activity, was sent off just after the hour mark. The Argentina international received a second yellow card for lazily thrusting his arm into the face of Wesley Fofana and Cole Palmer doubled the hosts’ advantage from the spot.
Martinez has been a long way short of his best form this season but Carrick insisted he had no doubts over the former Ajax defender’s commitment to the club.
“Nah, I’ve got no concerns at all,” he said. “Things happen in football, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it goes well for you, but commitment is not an issue, for sure.”
Indeed, Carrick insisted there were no issues with attitude in the squad in general and claimed morale was good. He added: “The dressing room is in a good place. Perception is a funny thing. You can make things look different ways and think about all sorts of different things.
“The commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other – do not question at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but the commitment is not a thing at all.”
Mainoo backs Carrick to succeed at United
Kobbie Mainoo has seen his career at United rebuilt by Carrick after a difficult spell under Ruben Amorim.
And the England international is determined to do his bit to get the club back on track.
Mainoo said: “I’m very grateful to the boss for putting the trust in me as soon as he came in and putting that belief in me and giving me all the advice that he has knowing that he’s been a player for this club and knows the history of this club and what it takes to win.
“I take those words to heart and try to apply them every day in training and in games.
“I’ve been at this club for a long time and I know there’s always going to be ups and downs, it’s never going to be plain sailing and smooth to the top so you expect bumps and the best thing about it is you’re able to bounce back from them.”
Luke Shaw is still injured and won’t be considered for the game tomorrow night while Leny Yoro and Marcus Rashford are doubts.
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