Michael Carrick demands perfect mental preparation as Man Utd look to end slump

Under-fire Michael Carrick says his players must be mentally prepared to move on if misfiring Manchester United are to end their winless run against Bournemouth.

Old Trafford once again finds itself in the eye of a storm after Wednesday’s 4-1 capitulation at Champions League new boys Como raised serious questions over the manager’s future.

Captain Bruno Fernandes compounded matters when appearing to question United’s approach in Italy, where Carrick expressed anger with his players and went over to the supporters to apologise at full-time.

The Red Devils, now without a win in seven games, were without nine players in Como and again have absentees to deal with as the manager looks to ease mounting pressure at home to Bournemouth on Sunday.

“Ayden (Heaven) is back with group,” Carrick said. “He was suffering from illness but is back around the group and then we’ll see what the next couple of days bring (for the others).

“It’s more mentally now. Physically, the boys are recovering from a game and there is only so much training you can do out on the grass.

“It’s more mental and being prepared for what’s next.”

Leny Yoro is available to face Bournemouth having missed the trip to Italy through suspension, with outspoken Lisandro Martinez facing a race to be fit to face Bournemouth.

Marcus Rashford has been dealing with a hip complaint, while Benjamin Sesko, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw remain sidelined along with Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte.

Such injury issues are blow for a United side that have failed to beat Bournemouth in their last six meetings, with Erik ten Hag overseeing their last win in this fixture 41 months ago.

Casemiro scored the one goal and played an important role in Carrick’s fine start to a job that he is fighting to hold onto as he made an impassioned call for humility and self-sacrifice on Friday.

“I think it’s pretty clear as day,” the United boss said. “I’m not telling you anything new.

“I haven’t definitely invented anything new. That’s the make-up of any good football team. You have to earn the right to be better than your opponent.

“You have to do more than your opponent to win a game. That’s as simple as that. It doesn’t change. It never changes. That’s what we need to do to win more games.”