Carrick insists he is '100% confident' of turnaround as United weigh managerial alternatives

Michael Carrick has acknowledged conversations with Manchester United’s board over the club’s alarming form but insisted he is “100 per cent” confident of turning results around, even as the club considers potential replacements.

United’s 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday extended their winless run to seven games and left the club with just two wins from 11 across all competitions — their worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years. The result has prompted United’s decision-makers to explore managerial alternatives, with Eddie Howe, Unai Emery, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann all reported to be under consideration. Howe, who left Newcastle over the summer, is understood to be sporting director Jason Wilcox’s preferred candidate.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, Carrick confirmed that discussions with the club’s hierarchy had taken place. “We’ve spoken,” he said. “There are always conversations going on. It’s obvious how we’re all feeling. The responsibility for me to be in this position is to lead — it’s my responsibility for whatever goes on on the pitch. I’ll hold the umbrella for me to stay wet and for others to stay dry.”

Carrick also addressed the personal toll the run has taken. “It hurts an awful lot, but it doesn’t stop me,” he said. “That hurt is pure motivation to want more, expect more, and work for more to get us going in that different direction.”

After the Como loss, Carrick admitted he “did not like” what he saw from his players, but he struck a defiant tone when asked directly whether he believed he could reverse United’s fortunes. “Yeah, yeah, 100%, yeah,” he replied.

Sunday’s opponents Bournemouth arrive at Old Trafford with growing confidence of their own, having ended a winless Premier League run last weekend with a victory over Sunderland and also claiming wins against Sturm Graz and AC Milan in the Europa League within the past eight days.

“We want more,” Carrick said. “It feels like it can be a long way away but it doesn’t take much to flip that. We have a very tough game on Sunday. If you don’t [feel like me], this isn’t the right place for you.”