Carrick 'loving it' despite United's worst league start in 40 years
Michael Carrick says he is "loving it" as Manchester United head coach, despite six points from their worst league start in 40 years.
He spoke in Spain on Monday, on the eve of United's Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid. "There is no negativity," Carrick said. He added that he does not feel pressure from outside the club, The Guardian reported.
It was a calm message for a noisy moment. United have stuttered in the Premier League. They also went out of the Carabao Cup, England's secondary cup competition, at home to Brighton early in the season.
Europe has offered some relief. United won their Champions League opener against Sabah in September. They also beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, after which Carrick described Kobbie Mainoo's display as "immense", Manchester United reported.
The problem now is availability. Mainoo and Luke Shaw both picked up knocks, minor injuries, in the draw against Tottenham. The pair missed team training at Carrington and did not travel to Madrid.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is also a doubt. Carrick said the midfielder was still "carrying something" before the Atletico tie.
United face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday 13 October. It is a Matchday 2 fixture in the league phase, the opening stage where teams play to reach the knockouts, UEFA lists.
For fans, this means a sharp contrast. Domestic form is poor. Europe is still open. A result in Madrid would not fix the league table, but it would give supporters something to hold together on the trip home.
