Michael Carrick said Manchester United had "lost our way" in a pre-match press conference before Sunday's game against Bournemouth, while insisting he can help turn the team around. His comments came after a difficult recent period for the side.
Assessment of the team
Carrick began by saying: "I think recently we haven't had a good time, I think that's pretty obvious."
He also said Wednesday was a bad night and described the performance as unacceptable. Carrick said the team had moved away from the identity he wants it to show, but added that he believes United will get back to the level they showed during five months of relative success.
Carrick said: "We’ve had it, we’ve kind of lost our way a little bit if I’m totally honest and we’ll get it back."
Responsibility and club values
Carrick said his responsibility is to put out a team that represents the club and its supporters and makes them proud of the identity it shows. He said the club's values come down to humility and hard work.
He also said Manchester United is bigger than any individual, including himself and the players. Carrick said the recent spell hurts him, but that he is using that hurt as motivation and inspiration to change the team's direction.
He said: "It hurts an awful lot but it doesn’t stop me."
Supporters and the squad
Carrick said the supporters are an essential part of the club and that it was tough for them to feel as they did on Wednesday after making the effort, time and money to support the team.
He also said the squad is not divided, that United are capable of turning things around, and that they will win football matches.
Comments and external reports
After then taking questions ahead of Sunday's game against Bournemouth, Carrick said: "The most important thing is the team and the dynamics of the squad and the football club and I always do what is best for the club."
He added: "If I’ve spoken to him or haven’t spoken to him, I don’t think this is the time to go into too much detail."
The Independent reported that Carrick had held conversations with the United hierarchy following the Como defeat. The Independent also reported that Carrick has come under fierce pressure amid a seven-game winless run in all competitions, and that Bruno Fernandes had made comments questioning the team's tactics following the 4-1 defeat in Como.