Michael Carrick focused on Manchester United success rather than saving his job

Michael Carrick says managing Manchester United is “the best job” he could have and insists he is not thinking about how to protect his position as the club prepares to face Leeds in the Premier League.

Manchester United host Leeds on Sunday evening in their seventh league match of the season, with Carrick’s side currently 14th in the table after collecting six points from their opening six games.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Carrick said: “At this stage, managing Manchester United is the best job you can get and the best position I could have. I feel that being in this position is a real privilege and a huge responsibility, but at the same time I have a strong desire to make a difference and achieve success.”

Carrick said he was enjoying the challenge of leading the club despite its difficulties.

“I really enjoy what I do. I like situations where you face difficulties and have to find a way through them,” he added.

“Those challenges are part of what drives you towards success, and they are part of the journey. If you are not prepared to face difficulties and are unable to deal with difficult situations, you will never become a great person. So we have to keep working to overcome these challenges.”

Carrick said his immediate priority was to push Manchester United forward, starting against Leeds.

“I am looking forward to facing Leeds and, personally, more than anything, I feel that I want to move the team forward,” he said.

“There are always negative aspects if you choose to look for them or focus on them, but I am not looking for them and I do not want to feel that negativity.

“I understand the reality, and I have spoken about it so often that sometimes I feel I am repeating myself when I talk about accepting our current situation. But I do not feel negative.”

Carrick said his attention remained firmly on the club and helping the players reach the level he believes they are capable of producing.

“I am completely focused on what is best for this place and for this club, and on what we need to do to win games and get the players performing at the level we know they can reach,” he said.

“We do not believe we are very far away from that. We can change some things in our favour, regain our good form and move forward very quickly.”

Carrick added: “As I have said before, I am not really thinking about myself. I am not thinking about how to get through this difficult period or survive it, or what I need to do to protect myself. That is not important. It is about this club and winning matches.”