Carrick vows to turn around Man United crisis, silent on Fernandes’ captaincy

Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in turning around Manchester United’s poor form but refused to clarify whether Bruno Fernandes will remain captain as pressure mounts on the manager following a seven-game winless run.

Carrick described Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como as “totally unacceptable”, with the result intensifying scrutiny of his leadership ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

After a successful interim spell in the second half of last season, the former England midfielder was appointed permanently in May. However, United’s struggles have raised questions about his long-term future.

The club have endured their worst start to a Premier League season, exited the League Cup against Brighton and lost two of its opening three Champions League matches.

“We’re in a moment where it’s not gone well, so we need to show exactly what it means. Respect this football club, respect what it takes to be here, respect what it takes to win, and what you have to do to win,” Carrick said at his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve kind of lost our way a little bit, if I’m totally honest, and we’ll get it back. I’m totally confident we’ll get it back.”

Carrick’s authority has come under further scrutiny after Fernandes publicly questioned the team’s tactical approach following the Como defeat, suggesting United had been too passive and failed to apply sufficient pressure.

Asked repeatedly whether the Portuguese midfielder would retain the captain’s armband, Carrick declined to give a direct answer.

“The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost, the squad and the dynamics in the squad,” he said.

“Again, it’s about the football club. I always do what’s best for the football club.”

Fernandes’ comments came just over a week after defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the club’s board over its transfer-market investment, adding to concerns about tensions within the club.

Appointed in January, Carrick guided United to a third-place finish last season, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in three years. However, the team have managed only two victories in 11 matches across all competitions this season.

Reflecting on the contrast between last season’s progress and the current slump, Carrick acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the disappointment felt by supporters.

“Recently, we haven’t had a good time. I totally accept that. We had five months of relative success in a spell where I was happy with a lot of things we were doing as a team,” he said.

“We haven’t done well enough lately. We’ve had a spell we’re really not happy with. Como was a bad night. It hurt me. It was really unacceptable.”

Carrick also acknowledged the sacrifices supporters make to follow the team, apologising for a performance he said had fallen short of the club’s standards.