Carrick warns Man United they have lost their way before Bournemouth
At Old Trafford on Friday, 23 October 2026, 45‑year‑old Michael Carrick stood before a sea of microphones, his eyes fixed on the club’s future. The Man United boss opened a five‑minute press briefing by admitting the team had ‘lost our way’ and urging Bruno Fernandes and the senior group to rediscover humility.
The briefing was reported by HARRY BAMFORTH of LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE on 23 October 2026. It came as United search for answers after a string of poor results.
Recent setbacks and winless run
United suffered a humiliating 4‑1 defeat away at Como in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The loss extended United’s winless streak to seven games across all competitions, a run the club has not endured since early September. It also marked the worst sequence of results since 2015.
Carrick will lead United into Sunday’s Premier League home fixture against Bournemouth, a clash many see as a potential stay of execution for the under‑pressure manager. The Cherries arrive to Old Trafford with United desperate to halt the slide.
Carrick’s message to the squad
"I'll start today. I just want to say a few things, really," Carrick said, reflecting on five months of relative success before warning that recent performances have been far from satisfactory. He reminded players that Manchester United is bigger than any individual, naming Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton as benchmarks. Carrick called for humility, hard work and sacrifice, insisting entitlement has no place at the club.
Carrick refuses to confirm whether Fernandes remains captain at United
When pressed on whether Bruno Fernandes would lose the captaincy after the midfielder questioned tactics, Carrick declined to give a direct answer. He insisted the dressing room remains united despite the outspoken nature of Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez in recent weeks. Carrick added that the squad is not divided.
Fernandes had earlier criticised the staff’s decision to give opponents space, saying “sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, press high and make them uncomfortable”. He argued that the centre‑back was marking him in his own half against Como, highlighting a lack of collective pressing. He stressed that any tactical blame rests with the manager and staff, not with him. That remark captured the frustration that has lingered since the defeat.
Lisandro Martinez was the first to break ranks, publicly targeting director of football Jason Wilcox after United’s 2‑0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week. His comments added to the growing unrest within the squad, prompting Carrick to stress unity.
Darren Bent urges United to sell Bruno Fernandes for £80m this January
Despite the turmoil, Carrick declared he is “100 percent sure” he can reverse United’s fortunes. He described his role as holding an umbrella for the team, keeping everyone dry while he gets wet. He said discussions are ongoing to get the players in the right frame of mind for Sunday’s match.
Outside Old Trafford, former Napoli manager Antonio Conte used his Instagram story to deny any advanced talks with United, despite Italian media linking him to the vacancy. He said reports of financial demands and a “strong personality” were unfounded and that speculation about his future cannot be treated as fact.