Carrick tells Manchester United to embrace pressure before Atlético test
Michael Carrick has urged Manchester United to treat a difficult run of results as a challenge to embrace, rather than a reason to panic, as his side prepare to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
United travel to the Metropolitano after taking six points from six Premier League matches and surrendering a lead to draw 1-1 with Tottenham. Their domestic struggles have also included an early Carabao Cup exit against Brighton, while a convincing Champions League win over Sabah offered a brighter start in Europe.
“We hoped for a lot more, we expected a lot more, and we are where we are,” Carrick said. He acknowledged that the team had entered a difficult spell but rejected calls for sweeping change, saying: “That’s not our mindset and it’s certainly not mine.”
‘There is no negativity’
Carrick said he did not feel external pressure, describing the team’s focus as staying together and concentrating on what it could control. He said United wanted to succeed and had confidence in one another, adding that difficult periods reveal who is committed to the club for the long term.
“You’ve got to be able to do something difficult and get through it,” he said. “The supporters are desperate for it and we’ve got to give them something. You’ve got to embrace challenges to get where you want to be. I totally believe we’ll come through it.”
The coach confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw would miss the trip after picking up knocks in the draw with Tottenham. He also defended captain Bruno Fernandes, saying the midfielder had been carrying an issue but was “pretty much over it” and looked bright in training. Carrick expressed confidence that Fernandes would recover his form, describing him as a top player who had already achieved a great deal for the club.
United are seeking their first victory over Atlético in major European competition. Carrick said his side had to accept its current position and respond on the pitch, insisting that the team could work through the setback rather than lose sight of its longer-term progress.