Man Utd not an unmanageable club - Carrick

What the report says

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has pushed back against the idea that Old Trafford is an impossible place to manage, as he faces growing pressure before Sunday’s Premier League home match against Bournemouth. BBC Sport reports that Carrick is under scrutiny after United went seven games without a win, with criticism also intensified by public comments from senior players Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes about recruitment and tactics.

Carrick said he does not accept the argument that the club is inherently unmanageable, while also defending his team against claims that they do not work hard enough or press effectively. He acknowledged United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como in midweek was unacceptable, but said football is more complex than simple running or pressing statistics. He argued the side needs to return to the standards it showed for parts of last season and earlier this campaign.

The BBC also notes the wider context around United’s job pressure, including frequent managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and the constant scrutiny around the club. Carrick said he remains in regular contact with former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ferguson, both of whom continue to be part of his support network.

Carrick said he believes the squad can recover, but stressed that performance against Bournemouth will be crucial if United are to turn their season around.