Carrick insists he has United board's backing as winless run stretches to six games

Michael Carrick has moved to dismiss suggestions his position is under threat, insisting he has the full backing of the Manchester United board as he prepares to take a depleted squad to Como for a crucial Champions League fixture on Wednesday.

United have not won since a 4-0 victory over Sabah in September’s Champions League opener, a run of six matches that represents the club’s worst start to a league season in 40 years — just two wins from 10 games in all competitions. The pressure on Carrick has intensified further following a pre-match interview in which former manager Erik ten Hag, speaking two years after his dismissal, accused the club of broken promises.

“I don’t need any reassurance,” Carrick told reporters. “It’s pretty clear. I know the role, I know my responsibilities. I don’t need anyone else to tell me that or tell me when it’s going well or when it needs to be better. I know that myself.”

Asked directly whether he feels backed by those above him, the United head coach was unequivocal. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I? I’m in this position, I have a good relationship — a really good relationship with everybody at the football club. There’s really no issues and no problems with any of that side. We’ve got to win games of football and that’s what we’re striving to do.”

Carrick’s task against Cesc Fabregas’ improving Como side is complicated by a significant injury and illness list. Eight squad members are unavailable, with Leny Yoro also suspended after his red card in last week’s 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid.

Lisandro Martinez is absent for the trip to Italy, though Carrick suggested the defender could return for the weekend fixture against Bournemouth. Kobbie Mainoo is around ten days away from fitness, while Luke Shaw requires a little longer. Marcus Rashford is managing a hip issue, Ayden Heaven is ill, and Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte are also sidelined.

“Bit of a mixed bag, to be honest,” Carrick acknowledged. “We have quite a few who are missing.”

Conditions in Italy are unlikely to help, with over six centimetres of rain forecast in the 24 hours before kick-off. United landed in Como on Tuesday evening to steady rain, adding another layer of difficulty to what is already a must-not-lose night for a club searching urgently for momentum.