Carrick: No player is guaranteed a starting spot, including Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Ahead of the match, manager Eric Carrick held a press conference. Here are highlights from his remarks.

Will Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo miss the match against Atletico Madrid?

They did not travel with the team. Both suffered injuries in the weekend's match and are unavailable.

Did Amass and De Ligt travel with the team?

We are well-stocked with personnel, but for players like Dan (Amass), it's valuable experience to be involved in matches like this. He has been with the team for a long time and has worked hard to reach this level.

What is the latest on Sesko?

We are still awaiting further examination results. We need a complete understanding of the situation, so there is no return timeline yet.

What went wrong against Tottenham?

We must start strongly tomorrow. They are a very good team, and we know what to expect. We are ready; the team's response in the second half against Tottenham gives me confidence.

Do you feel under pressure?

It depends on how you define pressure. We know what we want and what we demand of ourselves, and that comes from within. I know what it's like outside, but I don't feel pressured by external factors; I crave victory and success. There is no negativity in the team; we are embracing the challenge.

There will always be difficult moments, and if you cannot face and overcome them, you cannot succeed. The difference between winning and losing is often minimal. We started poorly a few days ago, and the recent goals we conceded were avoidable, but margins are often very fine.

Do you think Bruno Fernandes was in poor form early in the season?

Of course, he can rediscover his form from last season; he has delivered many incredible performances.

Is Bruno Fernandes fully fit physically?

There has been talk about his limited playing time with the Portuguese national team, which is common at this stage. It is not ideal, but it is manageable. Bruno is fit to play and is essentially fine. It is not a major concern, and he is in good physical condition.

Is Bruno Fernandes an indispensable starter who cannot be rotated?

No one is guaranteed a starting spot; all players must meet our standards.

What kind of match do you expect tomorrow?

The last time we played Atletico Madrid was in pre-season. Both teams have different personnel now, and the atmosphere will be very different. We must be prepared for that intensity.

Are you looking forward to facing Simeone?

I have immense respect for Simeone as a coach. Building a team takes time, and his long tenure demonstrates that he has made a lasting impact on this club. They are very dangerous, and this will be an excellent test for us.

Any other thoughts on Simeone?

We believe Atletico Madrid are as strong as any team in Europe and rank among the best.

Are you surprised the team is struggling so early?

We had hoped for better performances. I know there will always be challenging periods; that is part of the process. It is a journey, and Atletico Madrid must have had plans that did not work out. They have achieved success, but things are not always smooth. I understand that outsiders might view this as a disaster, but we do not have that mindset; you must be able to handle adversity.

The last three goals we conceded were avoidable, and that could make the difference between success and failure. I love this challenge of fighting against the odds. The fans are always with us, and we must perform to repay them; we will fight back.

Should Manchester United have strengthened at left-back and striker in the summer?

The transfer window has its own processes, and injuries can suddenly change circumstances in various positions. We must build a squad, and we have players who can step up; we will find solutions.

Will Baleba start?

We are not surprised by what Carlos (Baleba) can bring. We have very good options in midfield; Kobbie (Mainoo) did not travel, but we have alternatives to adjust our setup. Whether Carlos starts requires consideration, but his performance the other day impressed me greatly—it is a positive first step. He will definitely contribute to the team. Carlos can provide a different dimension to our midfield balance, defensively and offensively, adding variety to how we play.

Why are you so confident in the players?

Because they care about winning. We are here to be tested, and if you are not willing to give everything and dig deep, then this is not the place for you. I have seen it in closed training sessions and in the dressing room. This week is important with two tough matches, but we are looking forward to them. We will give it our all.

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