Football

Michael Carrick Vows to Restore Manchester United Form Amid Captaincy Uncertainty

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 24, 2026, 08:11 IST

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in reversing the club's poor run of form, while remaining non-committal regarding Bruno Fernandes' future as team captain following a heavy defeat to Como.

Michael Carrick Vows to Restore Manchester United Form Amid Captaincy Uncertainty

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has insisted he remains confident in his ability to steer the club out of its current slump, despite a winless streak that has now reached seven matches. The pressure on the former England midfielder has intensified following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Champions League debutants Como on Wednesday, a result he described as completely unacceptable.

Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, United are enduring their most difficult start to a campaign in the competition's history. The team has also faced early elimination from the League Cup at the hands of Brighton and has struggled in Europe, losing two of their opening three Champions League fixtures. With the side preparing to host Bournemouth at Old Trafford this Sunday, Carrick faces mounting scrutiny over his leadership and tactical direction.

Addressing Performance and Leadership

During his pre-match press conference, Carrick acknowledged that the team has lost its way but maintained a firm belief that the situation can be rectified. He emphasised the necessity for players to show greater respect for the club and the requirements needed to secure victories. While he conceded that recent results have been poor, he pointed to the relative success he enjoyed during his interim spell last season as evidence of the team's potential.

The manager also addressed the growing tension within the squad following public criticism from Bruno Fernandes, who questioned the team's passive tactical approach after the loss to Como. When pressed on whether Fernandes would continue to serve as captain, Carrick declined to provide a definitive answer. He stated that his primary focus remains on the squad's dynamics and the overall health of the football club, noting that he will always prioritise decisions he believes are in the best interest of the organisation.

Context of a Challenging Campaign

The current unrest follows previous public comments from defender Lisandro Martinez, who recently criticised the club's board regarding a perceived lack of investment in the transfer market. These internal frustrations highlight the ongoing difficulties Manchester United have faced in their attempts to return to the top of English football since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Despite leading the club to a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League during his initial interim period, Carrick has struggled to replicate that form this season. With only two victories in 11 matches across all competitions—both against Ipswich and Sabah—the manager is acutely aware of the frustration felt by the supporters. He acknowledged the difficulty of the recent period, particularly the impact of the midweek defeat, and reiterated his commitment to restoring the standards expected at Old Trafford.