Carrick says Manchester United board still backs him as winless run reaches six

Carrick insists he has the board’s support

Michael Carrick says he has the backing of Manchester United’s board as he prepares to take a depleted squad to Como seeking a much-needed Champions League win.

United are without a victory in their last six matches. Carrick is under pressure after what the report describes as the club’s poorest start to a league season in 40 years; across all competitions, United have won only two of their first 10 matches.

Asked whether he needed reassurance, Carrick said: “I don’t need any reassurance. It’s pretty clear. I know the role, I know my responsibilities.” He added that results were central to improving the situation: “We’ve got to win football games for everything to flow and everything to fit into place.”

Carrick said he felt backed by the club, citing a “really good relationship” with those at United, but acknowledged the immediate priority was winning. His remarks came after attention turned to former manager Erik ten Hag, who criticised the club in an interview with The Athletic, two years after his dismissal.

United face a depleted squad and severe-weather warning

Eight members of the squad are unavailable through injury or illness, while Leny Yoro is suspended after being sent off in last week’s 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid. Lisandro Martinez is not travelling; Carrick said the defender might be assessed for the weekend match against Bournemouth. Kobbie Mainoo could be around 10 days from a return, while Luke Shaw is expected to be out longer.

Ayden Heaven is ill, and Marcus Rashford is still managing a hip problem. Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also injured.

United’s trip to Italy comes amid a forecast of more than 6cm of rain in the 24 hours before kick-off. Italy’s Air Force National Meteorological Service issued an orange severe-weather warning. Carrick said he had no immediate concerns about the pitch or the match, adding: “We’re kind of used to the rain, so we’ll make the most of it.”