Sacked manager Michael Carrick insists he retains the backing of the Manchester United board as he takes his depleted side to Como in search of a much-needed Champions League victory.
The pressure continues to mount on the former midfielder after United’s worst league season in 40 years, with just two wins from 10 matches in all competitions.
Advertising
The Red Devils are on a six-match winless run after taking heed of former boss Erik ten Hag’s comments against Cesc Fabregas’ side on Wednesday.
in an interview with Athletic Two years after his sacking, the Dutchman accused the club of broken promises, although Carrick insists he has no positional concerns.
“I don’t need any reassurance,” said the United manager. “It’s pretty clear. I know the role, I know my responsibilities. I don’t need anyone else to tell me that or when it’s going well or when it needs to be better. I know it myself.
Eric ten Haag’s comments on Cristiano Ronaldo and Man United hierarchy cause a stir (Reuters)
“I know the facts and I have no problem with that. It’s pretty clear. There’s not much I can clarify about it.
Advertising
“I know we have to win football games for everything to flow and everything to fall into place. That’s the best thing. We can do something about it.”
Asked if he would back him, the United boss said: “Yes. Why wouldn’t I? I’m in the position, I’ve got on – I’ve got on really well with everybody at the football club.
“There’s really no issues or problems with any of this side. We’ve got to win football games and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Carrick, who have not won since thrashing Sabah 4-0 in their Champions League opener in September, face major selection problems as they hope to hold off an improving Como side.
Advertising
Eight members of the squad are out due to illness or injury, while Leni Yoro was sent off in last week’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
“It’s a bit confusing to be honest,” Carrick said. “We are missing a lot. Licha (Lisandro Martinez) is not too bad, but he is not with us. We have to see if he is ready for the weekend (against Bournemouth).
Leni Yoro will miss Wednesday’s game due to suspension (Getty)
“Kobbie (Mainoo) we’re probably looking at another 10 days, but not sure. Luke (Shaw) a bit longer than that.
“Ayden (Heaven) is sick and Marcus (Rashford) is still feeling a bit of a hip problem that we’re trying to get over. Hopefully that will be soon.”
Advertising
Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also injured in United’s squad, which was hit by persistent rain during their trip to Italy on Tuesday evening.
More than 6cm of rain is forecast in the 24 hours before kick-off and an orange warning for “severe weather conditions” has been issued by the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service.
Asked if he had any concerns about the surface or even the match being affected, United manager Carrick said: “No, nothing immediate for me. We’re kind of used to the rain so we’ll make the most of it.”