Manchester United were in the Premier League relegation zone on Saturday, sitting 18th in the table. It was the first time since 1986 that they had been in the relegation zone at this stage of a top-flight season.
First since 1986
Manchester United were in the relegation zone at this stage of a top-flight season for the first time since 1986.
League results
Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City 3-1. Manchester City suffered their third consecutive league defeat.
United’s opening form
Manchester United had won one of their first nine Premier League fixtures. They had not secured a league victory since a 5-2 home win over Ipswich Town on August 30.
Carrick and Berbatov speak
Speaking on Friday, Michael Carrick said the European victory over Roma had lifted the mood within the camp. He said: “Obviously it's a positive reaction. Again, it's not like all of a sudden we're getting carried away. I have seen enough from the players. I know what we're capable of.”
Carrick said: “You know what we're capable of as a team. We've proved it over time. We've just not proved it enough lately, but we know it's there. The boys have trained really well. I'm not just saying that for the sake of saying it.”
Dimitar Berbatov, a beIN Sports pundit, said: “The way that United are playing sometimes, they deserve to be there, honestly.”
Asked if there had been any newfound clarity over his future, Carrick replied: “No.” He added: “Just carry on as absolute normal. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen.”
