Carrick confident Manchester United can recover from worst league start in decades

Michael Carrick says Manchester United can emerge from their difficult start to the season, despite admitting the club expected far more from their opening six Premier League matches.

United have won only six points so far, their poorest beginning to a league campaign since 1986-87, when they took four points from their first six games.

Carrick, who became head coach in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, acknowledged the disappointment ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid. However, he urged his players to stay focused and work towards improving their season.

“We expected a lot more,” Carrick said on Monday. “I knew there was going to be a period where it became stickier. That’s part of it. It’s a journey.”

The 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK in their opening Champions League match provides United with a positive result to build on. Atletico begin their visit to Old Trafford after a 2-1 defeat by Liverpool in their European opener.

Carrick said Atletico had also faced difficult periods despite their success, and believes United must learn to cope with pressure rather than allow their situation to affect them.

“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 said.

United’s defensive errors have been a significant factor in their inconsistent form, according to Carrick. He warned that minor lapses could have a major impact as his side attempt to establish greater reliability.

“The last three goals we’ve conceded, we could have done something about them. That can be the difference,” he said.

The United head coach also said the team had a responsibility to give something back to supporters who have continued to back them during a frustrating spell.

“The fans are there, and we’ve got to give them something. We will come through it,” Carrick added.

United’s preparations have been affected by injuries following Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with 10-man Tottenham Hotspur. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and left-back Luke Shaw are both doubts after sustaining injuries in that match.

There was more encouraging news over Matthijs de Ligt, who has returned to the travelling squad. The Dutch centre-back has been absent for a lengthy period because of a back injury dating back to November 2025.

Carrick will now hope United can transfer their European form into their domestic campaign, with Atletico providing the next test of whether they can respond to their disappointing league start.