Manchester United suffered a 4-1 away defeat to Como in the third round of the Champions League group stage. After the match, manager Michael Carrick attended the press conference, apologizing to the traveling fans and stating that the team's performance was unacceptable. He also addressed Bruno Fernandes' questioning of tactical arrangements, player commitment, and concerns about his job security.
Opening remarks:
Carrick: First, I want to, and must, apologize to the traveling fans. After the final whistle, I walked towards the away section. I care about this football club as much as anyone, if not more.
Precisely because I am in this position, and because I cherish this club, playing the way we did tonight is utterly unacceptable. This was not a performance of sufficient quality.
We wanted to build on what we showed against Leeds United, to take that performance as a foundation and improve further, to maintain that fighting spirit, that drive, that aggression, and that genuine willingness to give absolutely everything. But I have to say, tonight's performance was completely the opposite, and it was difficult to watch.
Reporter: Good evening, Michael. I understand how you feel, but how do you explain the team's performance tonight? Everyone expected Sunday to be a fresh start. What was going through your mind as you watched from the touchline?
Carrick: Yes, I have to say, a lot of thoughts went through my mind watching from the touchline. Honestly, the huge contrast between the team's performances is really hard to comprehend. After the last game, this shouldn't have happened; things should never have turned out this way. We all have moments of playing well, and we all have periods of poor performance, but losing with such a collapse tonight is truly completely wrong.
Reporter: Michael, you were there when Solskjaer saluted the fans after the Watford game, and he, like you now, deeply loves Manchester United. Many people watching you walk to the stands tonight inevitably wondered if the same outcome might happen again. What are your thoughts on this?
Carrick: Regardless of the result, I always go to the fan stands to express my gratitude after a game. I walked over for that reason. I think it's a way of showing appreciation and responding to the fans, thanking and acknowledging everything they've been through in these past weeks and their consistent dedication.
But especially tonight, as I said, I feel the same as them; I feel the same emotions they do. They made the effort, paid their own way to travel, and came with expectations of victory. At this club, and for us who represent it, certain values must be upheld, and there are standards for how we should play on the field.
We might win, or we might lose, but the way certain aspects were handled tonight, I can't blame everyone, but some approaches were unacceptable. I must let the fans know that I completely understand their frustration.
Reporter: Michael, you are always very proper and diplomatic with the media, but deep down, do you feel let down by some of the players? They are all experienced international stars who have won countless trophies. Yet losing and conceding goals in such a manner tonight must be incredibly frustrating, right?
Carrick: Yes, but I won't turn it into a personal vendetta. This is all about the club itself. It's about what you should do, your attitude, your on-field performance, and how you approach the game. More importantly, it's about the responsibility that comes with representing this football club. Since I hold the manager's position, it is undoubtedly a supreme honor, but the core remains this club, the spirit it represents, and our supporters.
To be frank, the problem tonight was far more than just conceding goals. It wasn't just the goals conceded, but also the way we played and our competitive attitude during certain phases. That's what I find most difficult to swallow.
Reporter: Michael, you mentioned that many thoughts crossed your mind watching from the touchline. Did even a single thought cross your mind, like, "I really don't want to continue doing this anymore"?
Carrick: No, the focus of this discussion is not about me at all, nor about my personal emotions. The core is about what kind of image we want to present as a team and as a football club, and what kind of demeanor we should possess. As I said, results will inevitably fluctuate, but you must fight in the right way, and tonight clearly was not that.
Reporter: Hello, Michael. I noticed Bruno Fernandes mentioned in a post-match interview that the tactical instruction not to man-mark came from the coaching staff, from you, and he seemed to question it. What is your response when your team captain publicly questions the manager's tactics?
Carrick: In the second half, we actually implemented man-to-man pressing, and as a result, we conceded a goal. No matter what formation you play, no matter what tactics you employ, if you don't run on the field, if you don't sprint forward and track back to defend, you can never win the game.
Reporter: Hello, Michael. Obviously, this is an extremely disheartening night for everyone associated with Manchester United. How do you plan to lift morale before the next match against Bournemouth? How will you manage your emotions and ignite the fighting spirit in the players?
Carrick: I reiterate, the focus is not on me. My personal state is fine. I am very, very disappointed, very frustrated, and frankly, more angry than frustrated. But regardless, life must go on. You must face the next challenges and see how to break through. Before the next game, we have a lot of work to do to get the team ready again, because tonight was an extremely tough night for everyone.
Reporter: Hello, Michael. Given Bruno Fernandes' remarks and what you just said about certain players' performance and fighting spirit tonight, do you still firmly believe that these players are fighting for you and eager to play for you?
Carrick: They shouldn't be fighting for me, absolutely not for me. This is not about playing for me personally, but about playing for this football club. This is the responsibility that comes with wearing this jersey. As the manager, I am accountable to the club and all its supporters. I am always giving my all, holding nothing back, and I care immensely about this club. My entire life is intertwined with it. Listen, sometimes match results can be favorable, sometimes they might not be as desired, but I genuinely pour all my ability and dedication into it.
This is truly not an issue of personal relationships between me and the players, but rather about what all of us—both players and staff—can contribute to this football club.
Reporter: So, do all the players give their all for this club, just like you?
Carrick: I hope so, I would very much like to believe that they do. However, what I saw on the field tonight genuinely makes it hard for me to agree.
Reporter: Michael, do you feel that after such a series of poor results, management might relieve you of your position?
Carrick: Excuse me, what?
Reporter: After this series of results, are you worried that the higher-ups will relieve you of your duties?
Carrick: Listen, I haven't thought about my own position for even a second after the game. My mind is only on the fans right now. Watching everything unfold on the field tonight, I feel exactly as they do—extremely angry and dissatisfied.
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