MICHAEL CARRICK still has the backing of Manchester United bosses despite the club’s shambolic start to the season.
Old Trafford bosses are not panicking after the Carabao Cup exit, which saw United defeated for the third time in six matches, following only four points from four Prem matches.
Michael Carrick has a stay of execution at Manchester United – despite a shambolic start to the season. Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Carrick knows he needs a positive result at Fulham on Jattvibeday to give himself breathing space during the three week international break. Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But Carrick knows he needs a positive result at Fulham on Jattvibeday to give himself breathing space during the three week international break.
There is no real sense that the hierarchy has lost faith in Carrick, who secured Champions League football before being left short in the transfer market.
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United crashed out of a third straight cup competition at the first hurdle and head into this weekend 13th in the table ahead of their trip to winless Fulham.
Ineos only gave Carrick a two-year contract in May, so it would be a shocking U-turn if they sacked a third manager in two years.
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But the dismal nature of the two home defeats in four days – to a City side reduced to 10 men after 23 minutes and a much-changed Brighton team who became the first in over 50 years to win at Old Trafford after trailing by two goals – has sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
Carrick’s players must step up, both individually and as a team, as performances have been poor.
United have been dreadful across defence, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have not hit the ground running this season.
The decision not to sign a left-back has been made a mockery by the injury that has kept Luke Shaw out for three games, with neither Patrick Dorgu nor Noussair Mazraoui able to fill the void adequately.
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Carrick lined-up in midfield the last time United lost at Craven Cottage in December 2009 and he has been around long enough to know the pressure losing runs can build.
He said: “I don’t feel under pressure. Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn’t bother me.
“What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and a good feeling around the group to know we’re moving in a good direction.”
Meanwhile, United legend Roy Keane has called out the culture of the club from the top down.
Keane, 55, warned on The Overlap: “The whole standard has dropped at Man United.
“All the decision-makers, the way they’re treating fans, whatever is going on, the women’s team, the standards have dropped throughout the club.
“Even our expectations. I see players and reactions after games. There’s still a bit of, ‘Oh, it wasn’t our day,’ but you make it your day.
“What does this team stand for? What does the club, what does Man United stand for? I think all the standards have 100 per cent dropped.”
