Manchester United’s season has begun in a way that has left fans and pundits alike stunned. The Red Devils have collected only six points from their first ten Premier League matches, their poorest start in four decades, yet former midfielder Michael Carrick remains upbeat about the club’s prospects. Speaking after a 2‑1 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, Carrick said the team “will come out fighting” despite the setbacks.
Carrick’s optimism comes after a difficult opening week for United. The squad entered the match against Atlético without full‑back Luke Shaw and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom were injured in a recent draw with Tottenham. United’s manager admitted the team are “in a spot” and that the current form is below expectations, but Carrick stressed that the club is in a “building” phase and that the players must keep their focus on the long‑term journey. He noted that the club’s recent struggles are a normal part of the process, comparing the situation to Arsenal’s early seasons under Mikel Arteta when the team finished seventh or eighth.
The former United captain also defended the club’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, who has been struggling to rediscover his best form. Carrick said Fernandes is “still carrying something” and that he believes the player will return to his high standards. He added that Fernandes, like many players, can play with minor issues and that the midfielder is in good shape, having shown promise in training sessions.
United’s domestic woes have been compounded by an early exit from the Carabao Cup, where they were knocked out by Brighton at Old Trafford. In contrast, the team secured a convincing 3‑1 victory over Sabah in their Champions League opener last month, a result that Carrick highlighted as evidence that the squad can perform on the European stage. He urged the players to embrace the challenge and to remain confident, saying “there is no negativity, we have confidence in each other and we know we can win a lot of games.”
Looking ahead, United face Atlético Madrid on Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium as part of the second round of the Champions League group stage. Carrick concluded that the club must accept reality, learn from the current difficulties, and continue to push forward. He reaffirmed his belief that the team will rise to the occasion and that the supporters deserve a side that fights for every point.