Carrick: Yoro's red card was a terrible decision; We should have got a better result

Manchester United lost 0-2 away to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. After the match, Manchester United manager Carrick was interviewed by Amazon Sports.

Michael, first, how would you evaluate the team's performance tonight?

Carrick: Well, to be honest, it was a bit mixed. I think coming here was an extremely tough away game, and conceding early obviously put us in a more passive position. But I think as the game progressed, we actually gradually got into our rhythm. We created four excellent chances, I'd say truly golden opportunities, which could have completely changed the dynamic of the game. And those were genuine chances, not just half-chances.

So I don't think we finished the first half ideally; the start of the second half was better. We began to control the situation to some extent, although we didn't create any substantial threats. But then Bruno had another excellent chance, another opportunity to change the score. And then came the red card, and I must say, I think that was a terrible decision. The decision was very unfavorable to us, and after that, the game obviously became extremely difficult.

So overall, it's a very complex feeling. We knew it would be difficult to come here; they're always good at creating this home pressure, and we were aware of it and prepared for it. The real disappointment is that we created so many chances but couldn't convert them.

Reporter: I have to ask you about Lisandro Martínez, who gave an interview a few minutes ago, harshly criticizing the team's performance and pointing to Manchester United's shortcomings in transfer investment and management.

Carrick: I haven't seen his interview yet.

Reporter: His criticism was quite severe. He believes the club didn't provide enough support, specifically that you weren't given enough backing in the transfer market during the summer to build on last year's achievements.

Carrick: Yes, I think after a game like this, when everyone comes here with the goal of achieving something and the result is disappointing, emotions can understandably run high. I haven't seen his specific comments, so now is not the right time for me to comment on them.

Reporter: But when a player makes such statements after a game, it clearly reflects his true emotions and a certain level of passion and responsibility, doesn't it?

Carrick: I think that's true for all of us. To be precise, I know all of us care deeply about the team. Everyone might express it differently, but now is definitely the time for us to stick together and get through this. We have a big game on Sunday, and we must be fully prepared for it.

Reporter: What did you take away from the tactical approaches the team showed tonight? You adjusted the formation—did this lay a good tactical foundation for the crucial week ahead?

Carrick: Yes, we tried some different tactical approaches. I think at certain stages, the team's possession and the way we moved the ball forward through the midfield were very good, including the chances created from that. On the defensive end, we might have allowed the opponent to complete too many long passes and switches. I think we let them play from one side of the field to the other too often, which sometimes put us in a passive position against quick counter-attacks. But largely, we actually withstood these impacts, and the goalkeeper ultimately wasn't truly threatened.

So the key thing is, we felt the game was within our control. I always believed we had every chance, and we could have, and should have, taken a better result from this game.

Reporter: So how far are you from your ideal state? Yesterday you mentioned that details determine success or failure, and that requires time and patience. How far are you from reaching the level of play you had at the end of last season?

Carrick: We certainly need to find a way to break this deadlock as soon as possible. I mean, tonight is just a single game, and that's very different from the overall picture. This is the Champions League, and away games are always tough. So from a macro perspective, the overall situation is not irreversible, but we do need to make improvements in specific areas. We've done pretty well in some aspects, but there's no doubt we have to start winning games.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com