Carrick dismisses job-security fears as 'ridiculous' after United's dismal start

Michael Carrick rejected mounting speculation about his Manchester United future as “ridiculous” on Friday, insisting he expects significantly more time than a handful of results to prove himself to the club’s ownership — and said he is content to absorb all criticism for a troubled start to the season.

United have won just three of their opening six fixtures across all competitions, a run that took a particularly damaging turn in midweek when they surrendered a 2-0 lead against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, losing from that position at Old Trafford for the first time in 50 years. The result drew boos from the stands and derogatory chants directed at Carrick and his players from the Stretford End.

With a trip to Fulham on the horizon, the 45-year-old was asked whether he needed to deliver results quickly to retain the confidence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers. He was unequivocal in his response.

“I think that’ll be a lot longer than one or two games of results,” Carrick said. “In terms of future and ownership and how long I’ve got in the job — it’s ridiculous to think that way in a position that I’m in. That’s just not on the radar.”

Carrick acknowledged the weight of expectation at United but framed the current difficulties as a temporary setback rather than a structural crisis. “It’s two or three games that we haven’t had certain results, and two or three games too many because I really hate losing,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean that the world caves in. In some minds it does — it can’t for us, because we’ve got to perform.”

Rather than deflecting blame onto his players or the club’s broader circumstances, Carrick was pointed in his willingness to act as the focal point for supporter frustration. “That’s why I’m here,” he said. “It’s my responsibility. I’m fine with that. Blame me, no problem. I’ll take the responsibility, whatever it is.”

He was equally clear, however, that identifying a scapegoat was not the path forward. “It’s not about blaming people, it’s about finding solutions and being better — and that’s as a whole football club, as a group of players, as staff, as owners, supporters. It’s a whole collective thing.”

The comments paint a picture of a manager determined to project calm authority despite the turbulence around him, though the pressure will only intensify if results at Fulham and beyond fail to improve.