Carrick: I sometimes express emotions unconsciously because I care so much about MU

In a Premier League Matchday 6 fixture, Man United drew 1-1 with Tottenham at home. After taking the lead and playing with a man advantage, they conceded an equalizer to Solanke in stoppage time. Following the match, Man United manager Carrick spoke to the British media about the team's performance, Balaiba's debut, and the boos from the fans at halftime and full-time.

Michael, what are your thoughts on the match?

To be honest, our performance today was a mixed bag. I felt we started quite slowly and faced a number of challenges. For various reasons, we just didn't get into our rhythm. When we had the ball, our play was a bit too slow at times, we occasionally got caught by their press, and we didn't find the right spaces or make the correct passes often enough. Without the ball, we were also a step slow, leaving gaps that we usually aim to close. Even small differences in these areas can have an impact. As you saw, we had a tough period during that time.

However, I think the players gradually grew into the game, especially towards the end of the first half. It was even more evident in the second half, where I believe we genuinely did much, much better in all aspects, and our overall performance significantly improved. We put in a lot of effort to overcome that difficult spell in the first half, to get the game back on our terms, and to take control. To be in such a strong position and then not hold onto the advantage until the end is frustrating.

I mean, we really should have won this game. Regardless of how, whether with or without the ball, we have to manage situations like that and win the match, but we didn't tonight.

This season, we've conceded two goals in the very late stages of games that have cost us. If those two situations had turned out differently, things would look very different. But that's the reality, and we have to accept it and do better. We need to secure more points, and we must fix these issues as quickly as possible.

Without a doubt, your performance did improve as the game went on. However, what do you think caused the slow start? Was it a lack of confidence?

I don't think it's primarily an issue of confidence. But sometimes, the flow of a game can quickly go that way, and then you keep trying to put things right. I've experienced this myself when I was playing. You keep trying to put things right, or you want to press a bit more, run a bit more, chase a pass you might not normally chase, and as a result, you leave gaps. Suddenly, the game becomes even harder to play.

On the positive side, we found a way to get back into the game and put ourselves in a very strong position. So, we got through that difficult period. And that's one of the most disappointing things: we turned the situation back in our favor, but ultimately failed to win, which is really hard to accept.

Your triple substitution also seemed to lift the team's performance. Carlos Balaiba finally made his debut, and I thought he showed his qualities.

Yes, to be honest, I felt we were already building momentum. We did play better in the second half, and we just wanted to inject some fresh energy into the team. So, I think those three substitutions certainly gave us some extra help, which is what you hope to see as a manager when making changes. The players delivered, and they put us in a very strong position.

Obviously, for Carlos to play for us is a great step forward for him. It's just a shame we couldn't win the game.

One last question: you must have heard the fans' reaction at halftime and full-time—they booed. How did that make you feel? Can you understand it?

Yes, listen, it doesn't feel good, it's truly painful, because I care deeply about this club and, of course, about the fans. Sometimes, you could even say I care too much, because emotions just come out unconsciously.

But I understand the disappointment. We are all disappointed, and I completely get that. As I said, if one or two things had been different, everyone's feelings might be very different. But that's the reality, and we have to accept it and start winning again. So, I can understand. It doesn't feel good, and it obviously affects you in some ways, but you have to keep going, and we have the resilience to do that.

I think the players showed that in the second half. To be fair, I think they responded well. It's just that the very late stages of the game turned the situation around again, and that's something we absolutely must prevent.

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