Michael Carrick Puzzled by Obsession with Man Utd’s Running Stats, Affirms 100% Trust in Players as Boss

October 25, 2026 sportnow MANCHESTER UNITED ranks among the least effective running teams in the Premier League.

However, don’t bring up the term “pressing” to the beleaguered manager Michael Carrick.

Since David Moyes asserted his intention to “make them run more” in one of his initial meetings at Old Trafford, fitness has been a recurring issue.

Carrick was present in the dressing room during Moyes’ July 2013 address and took exception to these remarks.

Players at United, including Carrick himself during his playing days, believe that their ability to finish matches strongly is a result of conserving their energy during the initial hour of play.

Nonetheless, a succession of managers after Sir Alex Ferguson have pushed for their teams to increase their running.

The ten worst Manchester United matches I’ve witnessed in over a decade – Como ranks third

Latest updates on the manager search for Man Utd with interest in two key candidates

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aimed for his United players to be the “hardest-working” on the pitch.

Jose Mourinho once commended Marcus Rashford for running like a “mad dog” back in December 2018.

Fast forward six years, and Ruben Amorim encouraged his charges at Old Trafford to “run like mad dogs.”

Ralf Rangnick tried to embed the concept of ‘gegenpressing’ into Manchester United’s tactics but abandoned the approach after just two Premier League matches in December 2021.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Erik ten Hag made his players undertake a grueling 13km run in training following the team’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brentford, who had outrun them by that same distance. This season, United players have run a total of 487.4 miles across their seven Premier League matches.

Only Liverpool (482.5 miles) have recorded fewer miles run, while Andoni Iraola’s squad sits fifth in the rankings, with United languishing in 15th place.

Carrick’s squad has been outpaced by all their opponents this season, except for one—Manchester City in a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford with City reduced to ten men from the 23rd minute after a red card for Phil Foden.

Carrick’s beleaguered side faces Bournemouth today, as he fights to retain his position as manager. Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler is seen as a potential replacement, although Eddie Howe is currently favored by bookmakers.

The 48-year-old has been out of work since leaving Newcastle last summer.

Hurzeler’s successful Seagulls made headlines last month for their pressing display in a 3-0 victory over the defending champions, Arsenal.

No wonder Carrick has downplayed the importance of pressing.

The former Middlesbrough manager remarked: “We need to be cautious about the idea of ‘not running’.

“We have triumphed in several matches over time.

“This pressing concept that seems to dominate discussions… pressing is merely one component of football.

“There are various interpretations of what constitutes a press. What does it actually entail?

“What is the objective? Is it aligned with your strengths? Does it help conceal other areas?

“Pressing isn’t necessarily required to win football matches.

“Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t. It’s just a term that gets thrown around. We must be mindful of that. Additionally, it’s not solely running statistics that determine outcomes in football games.”

Despite United’s dismal start putting him on the brink of dismissal, Carrick stated: “I trust them completely. I absolutely believe in the players.

“It was a poor outing for many reasons in Como, but we are all aware of that.

“We will come out as a different team on Sunday. We must be.”

Captain Bruno Fernandes expressed doubts about Carrick’s strategies following the Champions League meltdown in Como that has resulted in a winless streak stretching to seven games.

This incident occurred just days after Lisandro Martinez was reprimanded for a shocking outburst directed at director of football Jason Wilcox.

Manager Carrick has not ruled out the possibility of sidelining Fernandes for today’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Changes are expected following Wednesday’s fallout.

Carrick was seen arguing with forward Matheus Cunha during the first half of United’s 4-1 rout before substituting him at halftime.

Fernandes has been utilized in four different roles across as many matches and was replaced in Italy.

Carrick’s heartfelt discourse on Friday lasted nearly six minutes before transitioning to a press conference that extended nearly twenty minutes.

The manager articulated his desire for United’s legacy to serve as motivation.

He emphasized: “I thoroughly comprehend the situation and my role, and I recognize what this club represents to so many individuals.

“History does not guarantee ongoing success. It is the teams that consistently win who earn the privileges associated with victory, so it is crucial we draw strength from our past.

“However, it is our duty to carry that legacy forward, and that commitment is of utmost importance to me.”