Lammens insists Manchester United squad is united behind Carrick

Lammens says United are standing together

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has insisted the squad remains united behind under-pressure manager Michael Carrick, despite a poor run of results and criticism after the club’s midweek Champions League defeat at Como.

Speaking before United’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, Lammens said frustration after matches could make players’ public comments appear more divisive than they are. “I can assure you that we’re doing everything we can and we’re all together behind the coach, as a staff, players, front office,” he said. “Everyone knows, of course, they have to do better, but I think we are united and we are trying to get better as a team and together.”

Early goals have become a recurring problem

United have repeatedly fallen behind early, including against Como and Atlético Madrid. Lammens said conceding in the opening minutes disrupts the team’s plans and leaves them chasing games. “One of the biggest things we need to work on right now is to keep ourselves in the game and to try and get that first goal ourselves,” he said, adding that the players are working to find a solution.

The goalkeeper also recognised the scrutiny surrounding United’s performances, but pushed back against the idea that the team simply needs to try harder. He said the squad is making daily efforts to improve, while acknowledging that results have not gone their way.

United need to recover their collective fight

Lammens said United had tried to evolve their approach this season, seeking to improve their play with the ball after relying more heavily on counter-attacks last season. But he believes the team must restore the togetherness and defensive effort that helped them succeed previously.

“I think we need a little bit more like last season, the way we fought together, even when it wasn’t going the best,” he said. Lammens added that the challenge is to combine composure in possession with the aggression needed to win the ball back.

The comments came amid heightened attention on Carrick following critical post-match remarks from captain Bruno Fernandes and earlier comments from Lisandro Martinez. Carrick had addressed the squad’s mentality and performance in an emotional pre-match news conference. United were set to face Bournemouth on Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm UK time.