Michael Carrick has insisted he remains energized by the challenge facing Manchester United, despite the club enduring its worst start to a league campaign in four decades. Speaking ahead of United's Champions League trip to face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, Carrick acknowledged the difficulties his side are experiencing but rejected any suggestion that panic has set in behind the scenes.
United travelled to Spain without Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, both of whom suffered knocks during the weekend draw with Tottenham. With just six points collected so far in the Premier League and an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Brighton, scrutiny around the club has intensified. Yet Carrick was adamant that external pressure was not something weighing on him or his squad.
"We hoped for a lot more, we expected a lot more, and we are where we are," Carrick said. "I was aware that, winning as many as we had last season, it was going to get more challenging, stickier. I understand that when it is not going well there is a real clamour and a feeling that it's a disaster, that it's all wrong and that everything needs to be changed. I kind of get that, but that's not our mindset and it's certainly not mine."
The coach drew a comparison with Arsenal's trajectory under Mikel Arteta, noting that the current Premier League champions finished seventh or eighth in his first two seasons in charge, as evidence that building a successful project can take time and include setbacks.
Asked directly about the pressure of his position, Carrick made clear that his focus remains internal. "There is our own expectation: we know what we want, what we are capable of and that comes from us. I don't look outside. I don't feel the pressure from that at all," he explained. He added that he and his players try to stay insulated from outside noise: "I'm pretty good at shutting off, to be honest; closing off and living a little bit in my bubble. And I think that's what we do as a group. We look after each other."
Carrick also addressed the struggles of club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has not hit the heights of previous seasons. The manager revealed that the Portuguese midfielder had been playing through a physical issue, though he downplayed its severity. "People don't maybe realise it, but it happens a lot: players play with issues. I probably played 80% of the games with some sort of issue. It's not ideal, but it's manageable," Carrick said. "Bruno was able to play the games; that's the commitment that he has. He's pretty much over it. It's not a major deal, he's in good shape and he was really bright in training this morning, looking forward to the game."
When pressed on whether Fernandes could rediscover his best form, Carrick was unequivocal in his backing of the 30-year-old. "I think it's pretty obvious to say that he can, yeah. I mean, he's a top player, Bruno. Sometimes things don't quite go for you, but he's done some incredible things for this football club and he will do the same in the future, there's no doubt about that."
Despite the turbulence domestically, United's European campaign got off to a strong start with a convincing victory over Sabah in their Champions League opener last month. Carrick framed the current difficulties as a test of character for everyone connected with the club, suggesting that adversity would reveal who is truly committed to the long-term project. "The supporters are there: they know what they want, they're desperate for it, and we've got to give them something," he said. "You have to embrace the challenge. I totally believe that we'll work through it."
United will look to build momentum in European competition when they face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, with Carrick hoping his side can translate their continental form into a response to domestic concerns.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.