Manchester United manager, Michael Carrick, has admitted uncertainty over his future at the club following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, but insisted that his post-match lap of Old Trafford was not a farewell to supporters.
The defeat extended Manchester United’s winless run in all competitions to eight matches, increasing pressure on Carrick amid growing concerns over the team’s poor performances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick acknowledged the difficult situation facing the club but said he remained committed to doing his best despite the uncertainty surrounding his position.
“It’s a tough situation, there’s no hiding from it. What it looks like and what’s next I really don’t know,” Carrick stated. “I will always do my best for the football club and I won’t change that now. I love what I do and I feel the responsibility – we’ll have to wait and see.”
The former Manchester United midfielder also dismissed suggestions that his decision to walk around the pitch and applaud supporters after the final whistle was a sign that he was preparing to leave.
Fans had continued chanting his name despite the disappointing result.
“It wasn’t a farewell from me. I’ve got mixed emotions, I’m feeling it for my players, they’re going through a tough spell. Some of it we can help, some of it the situation unravels and the boys are feeling it at the moment. Mixed emotions for the supporters to respond in that way. To have that connection with the supporters it’s mixed emotions, it’ll take a bit of time to digest but I certainly appreciate their support. The situation is where we are and we haven’t had results or performances that have been good enough.”
The Bournemouth loss followed another painful result for United, who suffered a 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League earlier in the week. Carrick said the team had struggled to recover from the setback, with the effects evident during Sunday’s match.
“It wasn’t a nice way to end the game. It was a tough day for them and we went into the game being rocked a little bit and you could feel that on the pitch,” Carrick admitted.
“They’re really hurting, the players, the ones I’ve spoken to. It’s not a nice feeling to see the disappointment but you have to accept it, it’s the situation we’re in at the moment.”
Manchester United have also struggled at home in the Premier League, having failed to win a league match at Old Trafford since August.
The club’s leadership now faces mounting pressure to address the team’s poor form and determine Carrick’s future ahead of their next league fixture.
