Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed confidence that the club can reverse its poor form before the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid, despite a “challenging, stickier” spell that has seen the Red Devils win only two of eight matches across all competitions this season. The 2025‑26 campaign has been a rollercoaster for United, with back‑to‑back draws against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur following defeats to Manchester City and Brighton in the last month. Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim in January and was later confirmed as the permanent head coach, believes the upcoming European fixture offers a chance to change the team’s trajectory.
Carrick acknowledged that expectations were higher at the start of the season and that the club is now where it is. “We hoped for a lot more, we expected a lot more, but we are where we are,” he said at a press conference on Monday. He described the current period as one where “football and building something takes a journey” and that challenges will inevitably arise. While recognising the frustration among supporters, Carrick stressed that the club’s mindset remains focused on long‑term commitment rather than immediate upheaval. “I love this part sometimes, when it’s going against you, you see who’s really there, within the group, the squad, the club, who wants to be here for the long term,” he added.
The manager highlighted the importance of embracing adversity to achieve success. “You’ve got to overcome things. It’s part of the journey,” he said. Carrick also noted that the team’s recent performances in the second half of the season convinced the board to give him the role full‑time. However, United’s Premier League form remains a concern, with only one win in six games leaving the club in 13th place. Carrick said that the pressure is real but that the team knows what it is capable of and is determined to achieve something great.
After a 1‑1 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford, where United conceded a 92nd‑minute equaliser despite Spurs playing the final minutes with ten men, Carrick reflected on the fine margins that have cost the team points. “The last three goals we’ve conceded in the league have all been avoidable,” he said. He remains optimistic about the squad’s ability to win games, stating that “I’ve got the utmost confidence in the boys that we can win games, and win a lot of games.”
Looking ahead, United will face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Tuesday in the Champions League. Carrick sees the European tie as an opportunity to shift the club’s fortunes and believes that overcoming the current challenges will ultimately bring success. The next few days will test the Red Devils’ resilience as they aim to turn their season around.