Michael Carrick is ‘clear’ about his plans as he clings onto Man Utd job
Michael Carrick remains confident in his ability to oversee Manchester United’s resurgence after a “right mixed” three weeks left his team in the relegation zone and the head coach’s future under scrutiny.
The 20-time league champions will spend the November international break in 18th place as their wait to add to August’s solitary Premier League win against Ipswich continued against Aston Villa.
United showed spirit and all too familiar flaws as Sunday’s helter-skelter clash ended in a 4-4 draw after substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scored in stoppage time following Tuesday’s 3-2 comeback win against Roma.
Carrick insisted afterwards that he would not walk away from a job that looked like it could be taken from him a fortnight ago and the international break provides an opportunity for the club to take stock.
Asked if the two-week pause comes at a good time for the group, the under-fire United boss said: “Yeah, it’s been a right mixed week or two or three, really, if you’re looking at the events.
“But I’m pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there.
“Obviously some of the boys will be flying off around the world and different things, and the group will be split for 10 days or so.
“But as a normal international week is, you know, we’ll have some training. We’ll have one or two days off, but not too much. But we’ll train, and we’ll get ready for the next game.”
The final international break of the year would be a logical time for United to make a change given there is no free midweek until mid-December after returning with a trip to rivals Liverpool on November 22.
But Carrick is steadfast in his belief that he can lead the embattled side up the standings having seen enough positives since a 4-1 defeat at Como and 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth left his job hanging by a thread.
United failed to take their chances and saw Lisandro Martinez sent off in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea, before Tuesday’s stirring 3-2 Champions League comeback against Roma was followed by the dramatic Villa draw.
“Goals change games, and you’ve got to deal with it, and it’s part of something we have to improve on drastically,” Carrick said.
“But there’s more than enough. We’re just making it too difficult for ourselves at the moment in certain times.”
Carrick is far from perfect but has been let down by United’s transfer business in the view of outspoken defender Martinez and the fans who frequently aim chants at director of football Jason Wilcox.
Left-back was among the areas of need and Luke Shaw’s injury has seen Diogo Dalot often deployed there, but frustrations with the United full-back reached boiling point on Sunday as supporters cheered his substitution.
Head coach Carrick, who was unaware of United’s full-back then being hounded as he left the ground, said: “We’ve got to be careful with that, I think.
“I understand the frustration. I understand the disappointment of the supporters, so I get it. We’re all frustrated. We’re all disappointed.
“The players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that. Diogo gives absolutely everything. He’s played in different positions. He’s played left-back. He’s played really well at times.
“He gives a penalty away. He knows that, maybe he can do a little bit better. Alright, that’s part of it, he’s made a mistake.
“But he cares an awful lot, and he’s given everything, so I like what he brings to the team. I like what he brings to the group.”
