Carrick stands by Manchester United support as Ten Hag reignites ‘toxic culture’ debate

Michael Carrick says he has no need for reassurance from Manchester United’s hierarchy and insists he knows when results are improving or need to change, as pressure builds before Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Como.

United have won only two of their past 10 matches in all competitions and are without a victory in their last six. They are also enduring their worst start to a league season in 40 years, while injuries and illness have further complicated Carrick’s preparations.

The manager’s position has come under greater scrutiny after former United boss Erik ten Hag accused the club of failing to honour its promises and allowing what he called a “toxic culture” to continue.

In an interview with The Athletic, two years after his dismissal, Ten Hag said: “They continue to (perpetuate) the toxic culture. They feed it and give the players power. Marcus Rashford is an amazing player if his mindset is right. I always showed my confidence in him and played him, but when you set these standards, you sometimes have to make corrections.”

The comments came as Carrick prepares to face Cesc Fabregas’ Como, with Manchester Evening News noting similarities between his situation and Ten Hag’s late in his tenure. Carrick is fighting for his future while senior figures, including sporting director Jason Wilcox, have faced criticism within the dressing room.

Lisandro Martinez reportedly raised the issue after the recent match against Atletico Madrid, while Ten Hag had previously claimed United’s football leadership failed to support him in the transfer market and did not offer sufficient backing.

Carrick rejected that assessment when asked whether he felt supported by the club.

“Yes, yes. Why not?” he replied.

“I don’t need any reassurance. I know my role and my responsibilities, and I don’t need anyone to tell me when things are going well or when they need to improve. I know that myself.”

He added: “I understand the reality, and I have no problem with it. We have to win matches for things to go as they should, and that is something we can change ourselves.”

Carrick also defended the effort shown by his players and coaching staff since he returned, saying: “The players and staff have given everything. We have had good results in some matches, while in others we want to improve our performance, and we have made some mistakes.”

“But our performance at the weekend, as well as for long periods against Atletico Madrid, showed great togetherness, desire and determination to improve for one another.”

United face mounting injury problems

United will be without eight players because of injury or illness, while Leny Yoro is suspended after being sent off in last week’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Lisandro Martinez is not expected to return in time for Como, although Carrick said his condition was “not too bad” and that the defender could be assessed for the weekend game against Bournemouth.

Kobbie Mainoo may need another 10 days, while Luke Shaw will be absent for slightly longer. Ayden Heaven is ill and Marcus Rashford continues to manage a minor thigh problem.

Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also injured.

United’s squad arrived in Italy on Tuesday evening in heavy rain. Asked whether the weather or pitch could affect the match, Carrick said: “There are no immediate concerns for me. We are fairly used to the rain, and we will deal with the situation in the best way possible.”