Carrick speaks on his emotional reaction after United’s defeat as pressure mounts

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United coach, Michael Carrick has insisted that his emotional reaction after Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth was “not a farewell,” even as mounting pressure leaves his future as head coach in serious doubt.

Carrick, visibly affected at full-time at Old Trafford, said he was struggling with the scale of United’s slump but refused to suggest he was preparing to leave.

“It was not a farewell from me. I was really mixed emotions. I’m feeling it for the players,” Carrick said.

He added, “But I certainly appreciate the support. But the situation is where we are, and we haven’t had results and we haven’t had performances that have been good enough.”

The former Manchester United midfielder said the defeat had left him deeply hurt, particularly because of the club’s stature and the reaction of its supporters.

“It’s really difficult for me to have a day like this at this football club and to feel the emotion and the dynamics of what it was like today,” he said.

Carrick accepted responsibility for the side’s poor form, saying, “I feel a lot of responsibility,” and “It hurts an awful lot to see us going through this moment in time.”

On what comes next, he was non-committal, “It’s a tough situation. There’s no hiding from it. What it looks like, what’s next, I really don’t know.”

“I’ll always do what’s best for this football club,” Carrick added.

Defender Harry Maguire, who captained United in Bruno Fernandes’ absence, said the players must take responsibility after another damaging performance.

“It’s not clicking at the moment. Results are not good enough, and performances in the last week are not good enough,” Maguire said.

He urged the squad to respond individually and collectively, adding, “Still early in the season. We’ve got to find something, question yourself, look in the mirror, think about what you can do more.”

United fell to a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, a result that left them 16th in the Premier League and intensified speculation over Carrick’s position.

The loss came days after a 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, which extended United’s winless run to seven matches.

Carrick had gone into the Bournemouth game under intense scrutiny, with reports suggesting senior figures at Old Trafford were increasingly concerned by results and performances.

Carrick was appointed permanent manager on a two-year deal about five months ago after leading United back into the Champions League during a short-term spell last season, but United have won only two of their 10 matches in all competitions this term.