Michael Carrick began his Friday media conference with an extraordinary 5min 27sec monologue that cited Manchester United’s values of “humility”, “resilience” and “earning the right to win”, in what could be read as a public address to his players after the season’s dismal start. The head coach, whose job is under threat, later stated “100%” he could turn United’s form around and sought to underline his selfless attitude by saying he would hold an umbrella for “everyone else to stay dry” while he got wet. The downpour on Carrick intensified on Wednesday when Bruno Fernandes questioned his tactics after United’s 4-1 Champions League loss at Como and the coach did not rule out dropping the midfielder or stripping him of the captaincy when Bournemouth visit on Sunday.
United have won only two of 11 games and start the weekend in 13th. Carrick said: “We need to respect what it takes to be here, respect what it takes to win, what you have to do to win. I’m not entitled to be here.
Entitlement cannot be at this football club. We’re not entitled to win. We’ve won in the past, we’ve got an incredible history, but that doesn’t mean you’re entitled to just win.” Carrick, a highly decorated United player for 12 years until 2018, cited two of his former teammates.
Wayne Rooney was top goalscorer of this football club. His biggest thing was playing for the team, sacrificing for the team, and what was good for Manchester United. Going back to Sir Matt [Busby], Sir Bobby [Charlton], the resilience was beyond belief of what they showed and the way they rebuilt this football club,” referring to the aftermath of the Munich disaster.
Carrick insisted he could embody these values and transform United’s campaign. It’s pretty obvious how we’re all feeling. The responsibility for me to be in this position is to lead.” Warming to his theme, he said: “I’ll hold that umbrella for me to get wet and for everyone else to stay dry.
That’s the position I’m in and it’s a privileged position.” Carrick believes all of his squad share his determination – “If you don’t, this is not the place for you,” he said – and insisted there were no factions. We just need to get back to doing what we do best and we will.”
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