Manchester United manager Carrick attended a press conference after his team drew 4-4 at home with Aston Villa in the 10th round of the Premier League.
You mentioned those specific key moments, but the team always concedes goals very, very early. Isn't that some kind of mentality issue? It seems like it's not just one isolated moment, but rather that players aren't focused or don't get into the game quickly at the very beginning of a match, and so on?
No, they are focused and they get into the game quickly. We just... it's caused by a combination of various factors. There are many different types of goals conceded, so there isn't a unified single theme or pattern behind it, except for these occasional individual momentary mistakes that are currently costing us.
Michael, following on from that, since the games against Chelsea and Roma, and today's match, after this period of games, have you seen enough positives to turn around the team's current unfavorable position in the league table after the international break?
Yes, yes, 100%. Yes, I think there are enough positives, more than enough. I think goals change the course of a game, and you have to deal with that properly, which is part of what we need to significantly improve upon. Although significant improvement is needed, there are definitely more than enough positives, we just made the game too difficult for ourselves at certain specific moments.
Sorry to interrupt, but do you expect to have a conversation and communicate with Jason Wilcox regarding the relevant situation? I know you said before, for certain reasons... but with all due respect, do you think you need to have an in-depth discussion and conversation about the direction the club wants to go in the January transfer window and beyond?
I am very clear in my mind about the direction the club needs to go. We have to win games.
Hi Michael, regarding Dalot's situation, I'm sure the way fans treated him and reacted was very unpleasant for him, but can you understand the reasons why the fans reacted that way? Also, for his own sake, is it time to temporarily remove him from the starting lineup?
We have to be very careful with this. I think I completely understand the frustration of the fans, I understand the disappointment of the supporters. So, I get that. We are all frustrated, we are all disappointed, and the players are no less frustrated and disappointed than anyone else, I can assure you of that.
Diogo has given his all for the team, he has played in different positions, he has played at left-back, and sometimes he has performed very well. Today he gave away a penalty, and he himself knows that perhaps he could have done a little better. Well, that's part of the game. He made a mistake, but he cares a lot about all of this, and he gives his all.
So, I like what he brings to the team, I like his contribution to this group, I like the value he injects into our existing environment and team culture. As for selecting the lineup and who plays in the next game, that's a completely different tactical decision, but that's a whole new game we need to look forward to now.
How is he doing now? Is he alright?
Yes, yes.
Is the international break coming at a good time? The past week or two has been really up and down, and obviously there was also mention of Dalot and various other things before, so does it feel like now is a time to pause and take stock? What is the plan for you and the players over the next few days?
Yes, if you look back at these recent events, the past two or three weeks have indeed been a very complex and fluctuating period. However, I am very clear in my mind about where we need to go and how we will get there. Obviously, some players will be flying all over the world to play, and the team will be dispersed for the next ten days or so. But, just like a normal international break cycle, we will still have some training. We will have a day or two off, but not too much time off. We will continue to train and prepare fully for the next game.
Hi Michael, can I get an update on Maguire?
He just had a pretty severe back spasm, about 10 minutes left in the game.
Is this a new issue? Or a pre-existing problem?
Yes, it's a new issue.