Michael Carrick Encourages Struggling Man Utd Players to Rise to the Occasion Amidst Tough Competition from Simeone’s Squad

October 13, 2026 dailymirror MICHAEL CARRICK is keen to identify players who are ready to battle for their positions at Manchester United as he works to secure his own role.

The under-pressure Red Devils manager claims he is starting to pinpoint those who are dedicated to a long-term future at Old Trafford.

However, Carrick’s own future looks bleak unless he can reverse the situation, starting with the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid tomorrow.

Carrick, who has led United to their worst league start in 40 years, noted: “I appreciate this phase when things aren’t going smoothly; it highlights who is genuinely committed.

“You uncover who within the players and the club genuinely wants to be part of this for the long term and who truly values it.

“The fans are here; they crave success, they are longing for it, and we need to provide them with something worthwhile.

Uninspiring Carrick’s United tenure is falling apart just like it did at Middlesbrough

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“At times, you must embrace challenges to achieve your objectives, and we are currently experiencing that tough phase.

“But I firmly believe we will get through it.”

Under Carrick’s guidance, United has only managed to secure six points from their first six Premier League matches this season, placing them 13th in the table.

The Old Trafford crowd voiced their frustration, booing the team at three different moments during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

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Carrick acknowledged: “I recognize that when times are tough, there’s a significant outcry and a strong sentiment that ‘this is a disaster, and everything must change’.

“I get that, but that’s not our mindset, and it’s certainly not how I view it.

“To achieve anything, you have to face difficulties; you need to overcome obstacles, as that’s simply part of the journey. I’ve dealt with it throughout my playing career, and it’s just the way it is.

“We must act now and confront reality; we need to win matches, which, of course, we do.

“The last three goals we’ve let in could easily have been prevented—this is something we are aware of, and the players recognize it, which has had a significant impact on the league standings.

“That wasn’t the case last season, and could be the difference this year.

“It was inevitable that we would face a period when things became more challenging and complex.

“Creating something in football is a journey, and you will encounter challenges along the way.”

Atletico manager Diego Simeone is set to celebrate his 15th anniversary with the club this December.

Carrick pointed out that enduring managers have experienced their share of difficult periods.

He added: “Sitting here against a coach with such a lengthy tenure, I’m sure there have been instances when things didn’t go according to the plan.

“They’ve enjoyed considerable success, winning titles and progressing to the latter stages of the Champions League; however, they too have encountered tough times.

“Our league includes teams that have tasted success, but that success hasn’t always been sustainable.”

Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw will miss tomorrow’s match against Atletico due to injuries.

Carrick confirmed: “They haven’t traveled with us. Both picked up issues during Saturday’s game, so we’re assessing their conditions as we move forward.”

Matthijs de Ligt rejoins the Red Devils squad after an 11-month absence due to a back injury.

However, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, and Noussair Mazraoui remain sidelined.

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