Man Utd’s Michael Carrick on Bournemouth’s Momentum in Pre-Match Presser

← Back to Match CentreMan Utd v Bournemouth

Michael Carrick spoke ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday 25 October, kick-off 2pm. Jarred Gillett is the referee.

The United manager talked about the team’s identity, the responsibility on him as the person in charge, the make-up of the squad and the support being given to Bruno Fernandes and his family. United are 13th with 7 points from 7 games, one point and two places above 15th-placed Bournemouth.

Identity and responsibility

“My responsibility is to get a team on the pitch that represents this football club, represents the supporters and is one they can be proud of with the identity that we show. We have gone away from that just recently in certain games, which I’m fully aware of and definitely doing something about.”

What he said

Carrick began by setting out what he sees as his job: picking a team that reflects the club and its supporters. He said United had moved away from that identity in recent games and that he was acting on it.

What he meant

Carrick is accepting that recent performances have fallen short of his own standard. The results fit that: United have drawn three and lost three of their last six matches in all competitions, scoring 6 goals and conceding 12.

The most recent of those was a 4-1 defeat at Como on Wednesday 21 October, the heaviest of the run.

Restoring United’s values

“We’ve kind of lost our way a little bit, if I’m totally honest. We will get it back – I’m totally convinced we’ll get it back. Respect this football club, respect what it takes, because it’s very, very important to me.”

What he said

Carrick said openly that United had “lost our way a little bit”. He added that he was “totally convinced” they would recover, and asked for respect for the club and for what it takes to play for it.

What he meant

The admission is direct, and it comes with a clear message to the squad about standards. The league table backs up the concern: United have one win in seven, and none in their last five league matches, with four draws and one defeat.

By stating his belief in a recovery, he is also setting the tone for the dressing room before Bournemouth arrive.

Taking the pressure on himself

“It’s pretty obvious how we’re all feeling. The responsibility for me, in this position, is to lead. I’ll hold that umbrella for me to stay wet and everyone else stay dry.”

What he said

Speaking about his talks with the players, Carrick said the mood in the squad was obvious. He described his role as leading and used the image of holding an umbrella so that he takes the weather and others are shielded.

What he meant

He is saying he will take public responsibility for results rather than point to individual players. That fits with his earlier comments about the team’s identity being his responsibility.

It also suggests he wants the players focused on the game rather than the scrutiny around it, with United having failed to win in their last six matches in all competitions.

Preparing for Bournemouth

“Tough discussions are going on to get the players organised to put in a good performance on Sunday.”

What he said

Carrick said “tough discussions” were taking place at the club as he tries to organise the players for the Bournemouth game.

What he meant

The wording points to a hard internal reset rather than a routine week. United have conceded 10 goals in 7 league games and 12 in their last six matches overall, so organisation is an obvious area to work on.

Bournemouth have won their last three matches 3-0, 2-0 and 3-0, scoring eight and conceding none. That run is the form United face on Sunday.

No entitlement at United

“Entitlement cannot be at this football club.”

What he said

Carrick said there can be no place for entitlement at United.

What he meant

This echoes his request for respect for what the club demands. United sit 13th, and Bournemouth are only a point behind, so the table offers little cushion.

He did not name anyone in the quote, and he made no specific claim about the squad beyond the principle.

Fernandes and the squad dynamics

“The most important thing for me is the team and the dynamics in the squad”

What he said

Asked about Fernandes and the captaincy, Carrick answered by putting the team and the dynamics in the squad first.

What he meant

He kept the answer on the group rather than on one player, which matches his comments about leading and shielding the squad. He gave no detail on any change.

United are without Manuel Ugarte, who has a cruciate ligament tear, and Noussair Mazraoui, who has back problems, so squad balance is also a practical matter for Sunday.

Support for Fernandes

“We are doing a lot of work to support Bruno and his family.”

What he said

Carrick was also asked about the burglary involving Fernandes and said the club was doing “a lot of work” to support him and his family.

What he meant

The comment shows the club treating the matter as a welfare issue first. He gave no detail of what that support involves.

He did not say whether it would affect selection for Sunday, so no inference can be drawn on that from his words.

Confidence check: Measured

Carrick sounds candid rather than upbeat. He said United had “lost our way a little bit” and that tough discussions were under way, but he also said he was “totally convinced” they would get it back.

The numbers explain the tone. United have not won in their last six matches in all competitions, drawing three and losing three, and have one win from seven in the league. Bournemouth arrive with three straight wins and no goals conceded in them, although they also lost 5-1 at Chelsea and 1-0 at home to Liverpool in their last six.

Bournemouth are without Junior Kroupi, Julián Araujo, Alex Scott and Veljko Milosavljevic through injury, while United are missing Ugarte and Mazraoui. Carrick’s message centred on standards and responsibility rather than the opposition.

How to watch

Man Utd vs Bournemouth kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on Sky Sports Main Event, NOW. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.

← Back to Match CentreMan Utd v Bournemouth