Michael Carrick backs Manchester United to recover from poor run before Atletico Madrid test

Michael Carrick has admitted Manchester United have not met expectations this season but believes they can overcome their difficult spell as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

United have taken only six points from their first six Premier League matches, their poorest start to a league campaign since 1986-87, when they had four points at the same stage.

Their European form has offered more encouragement. Carrick’s team began their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK at Old Trafford in September. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, lost their opening match 2-1 away to Liverpool.

“We expected a lot more,” said Carrick, who became United coach in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure.

“I knew there was going to be a period where it became stickier. That’s part of it. It’s a journey.”

Carrick acknowledged that Atletico had also experienced difficult periods despite their success in recent years.

“There will have been times when it’s not gone to plan for Atletico. They’ve had success, but it hasn’t all been in one direction,” he said.

United’s recent results have increased pressure on Carrick, but he rejected the idea that the club viewed the situation as a disaster.

“I understand people thinking it’s a disaster, but that’s not in our mindset. You’ve got to be able to deal with it,” he added.

The former midfielder also pointed to United’s defensive mistakes, saying their most recent goals conceded could have been prevented.

“The last three goals we’ve conceded, we could have done something about them. That can be the difference. The fans are there, and we’ve got to give them something. We will come through it.”

Carrick received a boost before the Atletico match with Matthijs de Ligt included in the travelling squad. The Dutch centre-back has been absent since November 2025 because of a back injury.

However, United’s injury problems have not been completely resolved. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and left-back Luke Shaw both suffered injuries during the 1-1 home draw with 10-man Tottenham Hotspur.

The result against Tottenham added to a disappointing domestic start, but United will attempt to build on their emphatic European opening when they meet Atletico Madrid.