Carrick pressure is something Manchester United must embrace, Michael Carrick says, rather than lose sight of the team’s longer-term progress as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid.
The Carrick pressure assessment came in his pre-match press conference in Spain. United’s head coach acknowledged that results had fallen short of expectations, but said his confidence in the players remained strong.
Carrick pressure comes from United’s own expectations
Carrick described the drive to succeed as coming from inside the club rather than outside criticism. He said the players knew what they wanted to achieve and were eager to put things right.
“We hoped for a lot more. We’ve expected a lot more. We are where we are as well.”
He did not dismiss the need for immediate improvement. Carrick said United had to accept the reality of their position and win games, while avoiding the idea that every setback meant everything had to change.
Carrick pressure test includes a strong start in Madrid
The Carrick pressure message was also about the opening minutes: United needed to start strongly against Atletico. He pointed to their second-half response against Tottenham as evidence of the players’ desire to improve, while acknowledging that the beginning of Saturday’s match had not been good enough.
Carrick also said the last three league goals United had conceded were avoidable. In his view, those moments had made a significant difference to how the team’s league position looked.
Atletico and Leeds offer a demanding week
In the Carrick pressure debate, he described the away games against Atletico and Leeds as tough, important tests that the squad should relish. He said his belief came from knowing the players and seeing their response in games and behind closed doors.
“It’s two tough games, two important games. But we’re hugely looking forward to them.”
For the current availability picture, read our Atletico v United preview. Carrick’s comments and the full press-conference video are on Manchester United’s official website.
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