Maguire backs Carrick but admits players to blame after Bournemouth rout United 3-0

Harry Maguire threw his support behind Manchester United manager Michael Carrick after the Red Devils were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford, but the England defender was equally blunt in pointing the finger at his teammates for a dismal run of form that stretches back to August.

Goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson gave the Cherries an emphatic victory, leaving United with just one Premier League win — against Ipswich Town — since the opening weeks of the season. The result represents Carrick’s third league defeat in eight games in charge.

Speaking after the match, Maguire was unequivocal in his defence of the manager. “We’re fully behind Michael,” he said. “Coming into the team last season he turned things around and got Champions League football this season. As individuals, we’re not playing well enough.”

Maguire was candid about the mood inside the dressing room, describing a crisis of confidence that he believes is infecting performances. “Very disappointed,” he said. “Coming to the game we wanted to get a win for our fans and to concede another set play for the first goal is not good enough. The second goal is a mistake and then we’re 2-0 down at half time and we couldn’t react.”

The centre-back made clear that no individual was exempt from criticism. “There’s a lack of confidence at the moment — the results, the performances — we have to look at ourselves and find something within ourselves to bring more to the team. That’s every player that I’m talking about. When things aren’t going your way you have to do the basics well.”

Carrick himself did not deflect blame, acknowledging a sense of personal responsibility for United’s current predicament. “It was a tough day for the players,” he said. “We went into the game having been rocked. You can feel that. They’re really hurting and disappointed in there. It’s not a nice feeling. You have to accept it, we’re in that situation.”

The United manager also reflected on the weight of the occasion. “It’s really difficult to have a day like this at this football club and feel the emotion and dynamics of what it was like today — not for me personally but for Manchester United.”

Maguire acknowledged that change is needed quickly if the season is to be salvaged. “So early on in the season we can still have a good season, but something has got to change quick,” he said. “It’s been disappointing — that has to change.”