Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in his side’s ability to recover from a difficult stretch of form as they prepare for a key UEFA Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.
United have endured a troubled start to the campaign, picking up just two wins from eight matches in all competitions. Consecutive draws against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur followed losses to Manchester City and Brighton last month.
With a mere six points from six Premier League games, the club marks its slowest top-flight start since 1986, leaving them sitting 13th in the standings.
Despite the domestic struggles, Carrick views the European stage as a fresh opportunity after Manchester United opened their European campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Sabah.
“Of course we hoped for a lot more [this season], we expected a lot more, but we are where we are. I was aware there was going to be a period when it was going to become a bit more challenging, a bit stickier. That is part of it. Football and building something takes a journey. You have got to overcome things.” Carrick said.
“I understand that when it is not going too well, there is a real clamour and a real feeling of ‘it is a disaster, it is all wrong, and everything needs to be changed.’ I kind of get that, but that is not our mindset, certainly not mine,” he added.
Michael Carrick on facing the pressure
Carrick, who initially took charge as interim manager replacing Ruben Amorim in January before securing the permanent position after leading the club to Champions League qualification, embraced the current scrutiny.
“I love this part sometimes, when it is going against you, you see who is really there, within the group, the squad, the club, who wants to be here for the long term. The supporters are desperate for it, and we have got to give them something. You have got to embrace challenges to get where you want to be. I totally believe we will come through it,” he said.
“We want to be part of something successful; there is no negativity about that. There is going to be times when it is a bit of a struggle, but to get anywhere, to do something good, something great, you have got to be able to do something difficult, and get through it,” he concluded.
