Carrick: 'Difficulties help me know who really wants to fight
Coach Michael Carrick emphasized that difficult times help identify players who are dedicated to Man Utd, while also emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges.
Carrick: 'Difficulties help me know who really wants to fight
According to Vnexpress.
Context
Since taking charge at Manchester United, Michael Carrick has helped the team make significant progress, bringing them back to the Champions League. However, the start of this season was not as expected, with only one win in the first six matches in the Premier League. This has created great pressure for Carrick and the players in the context that they need to prove their abilities against big opponents like Atletico Madrid.
Why this is important
Michael Carrick emphasized that difficult times are an opportunity to identify players who are truly dedicated to Manchester United. This not only affects team spirit but also determines success in upcoming matches, especially in the Champions League. Identifying players who can stay with the club for a long time will help Carrick build a stronger squad.
Main point
- Carrick: 'Difficulties help me know who really wants to fight.
- Coach Michael Carrick emphasized that difficult times help identify players who are dedicated to Man Utd, and emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges.
- Carrick: 'Difficulties help me know who really wants to fight for Man Utd'.
Coach Michael Carrick has affirmed that difficult times are opportunities to identify players who are truly dedicated to Manchester United, especially before the match against Atletico Madrid in the second round of the Champions League qualifying round. During the pre-match press conference in Madrid on October 12, Carrick shared: "I like periods like this. When things don't go well, you will know who is really on your side. You will clearly see the people in the team, from the players, the squad to the entire club, who wants to stick around for a long time and who really considers this place meaningful to them."
Carrick also emphasized that Manchester United fans always accompany and desire success, so the team has a responsibility to respond to that expectation. He affirmed that to achieve the goal, the whole team must accept and overcome challenges, instead of trying to avoid them. Since taking charge at Old Trafford in January 2026, Carrick has helped Manchester United perform well with 12 wins in 17 matches, bringing the team back to the Champions League.
However, the start of this season was not as expected when the "Red Devils" only won one win in the first six matches in the Premier League, marking one of the worst starts in the past 40 years. They were also eliminated early from the English League Cup after losing to Brighton despite leading 2-0. Carrick admitted that the early season performance was not satisfactory but was not surprised by the current situation, he said: "Of course, we hoped and expected more. But I understand that there is always the possibility of things going this way. After winning so many matches, there will come a time when the team will have difficulty and fall into a stagnation period."
To defend his point of view, Carrick used the example of Diego Simeone, coach of Atletico, who led this team for nearly 15 years, won two La Liga championships and reached the Champions League final twice, but also went through many difficult times and was criticized. He commented that building a football team is a long process, and obstacles must be overcome. Carrick believes that Manchester United cannot rush to change things just because of declining results.
However, he also admitted that the team needs to soon find victory again and overcome mistakes in defense. The 45-year-old coach believes that the recent losses were avoidable and have greatly affected Manchester United's position in the rankings. Carrick also mentioned Mikel Arteta, Arsenal coach, who went through a challenging first period. After winning the FA Cup in 2020, Arteta and Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League two years in a row before building a squad to compete for major titles.
Finally, Carrick confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw will not play, while Benjamin Sesko has not had time to return, but captain Bruno Fernandes is fit to play in the match at Metropolitano today. He also considered giving the first starting opportunity to Carlos Baleba, the $95 million rookie who impressed in the match against Tottenham last weekend.
What happens next
The match against Atletico Madrid will be an important test for Manchester United and Michael Carrick. The team needs to overcome this challenge to restore trust from fans and improve their performance during the season. If successful, this could open up opportunities for them to advance further in the Champions League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Michael Carrick say about Manchester United's difficult times?
Michael Carrick affirms that difficult times are an opportunity to identify players who are truly dedicated to Manchester United.
Why does Michael Carrick emphasize the importance of dedication in a football team?
Carrick believes that when things do not go well, it will be easy to recognize who is really on your side and who considers Manchester United meaningful.
When did Michael Carrick make these comments?
Carrick shared these comments during the press conference before the match against Atletico Madrid on October 12.
What difficulties has Manchester United encountered this season?
Manchester United has won just one win in its first six Premier League matches, marking one of its worst starts in 40 years.
What has Carrick done to improve Manchester United's situation since taking charge?
Since taking charge in January 2026, Carrick has helped Manchester United perform well with 12 wins in 17 matches.
Related articles
Teams
Players