Carrick says his walk around the pitch was not a farewell to Manchester United fans

Michael Carrick says his walk around the pitch with Manchester United’s players after their 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford was not a farewell to the supporters. Following Sunday’s loss in the eighth round of the Premier League, the coach also addressed the decision to leave Bruno on the bench, though the reported explanation did not give the specific reason for that choice.

« It was not a farewell from me », Carrick said. He described mixed emotions in response to the supporters’ reaction, while stressing that he appreciated their backing. « It will take some time to process all of this », he added, acknowledging that the team’s results and performances had fallen short of the required level.

In discussing the defeat, Carrick highlighted two incidents: Leny Yoro slipping before one of the goals and a free kick awarded against Aiden Heaven for another, which he considered questionable. He defended Yoro, saying the player had a bright future and was talented. Carrick characterised the incident as a slip rather than a mistake in the strict sense, while acknowledging that his player knew he had erred in that moment.

The coach also regretted that Manchester United failed to respond after the third goal. In his view, a chance or a goal in the second half could have brought the supporters’ backing; the third goal, he said, ended that hope. He described a team that began the match unsettled, with the players continuing through feelings of disappointment and pain.

On the decision to put Fernandes on the bench, Carrick said the choices were intended to influence the course of the match. He said he wanted to make decisions that could make a difference, without giving further detail about that particular choice in the reported comments.

Carrick also spoke about his bond with the club and his sense of responsibility, saying the situation Manchester United was facing caused him pain. He vowed to keep giving his best and said he would not give up on his commitment, while admitting he did not know what would happen next.