Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has dismissed speculation over his future as “ridiculous” as his side prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
United have endured an inconsistent start to the season, winning two of their opening five competitive matches. The Red Devils have beaten Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah in the UEFA Champions League, but league defeats to Hull City, Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion have left them 13th in the table.
Carrick said he understands the scrutiny that comes with managing Manchester United but insisted that concerns about his job security are not affecting his focus.
“I know the club, I know the role, I know what’s expected here in terms of playing to a certain standard, playing at a certain level and achieving certain things on the pitch,” Carrick said.
“In terms of the future and ownership and how long I’ve got, it’s totally nothing. Thinking about it is ridiculous in the position I’m in. It’s just not on the radar.”
Carrick added that he expects the club’s owners to judge the team over a longer period rather than react to a small number of results.
“I think it will be a lot longer than one or two games of results,” he said. “We’ve got to perform, we’ve got a lot of games to plan for, and we’re fully focused on that.”
United could receive an injury boost at Fulham, with Luke Shaw and summer signing Carlos Baleba both in contention to feature. Shaw has missed the past two games with a short-term issue, while Baleba has yet to make his debut after arriving from Brighton with an ankle-ligament injury.
“There is a chance on both, really,” Carrick said. “Not totally 100 per cent yet. It is really short-term with Luke, but we’re just working towards the game.”
Carrick was also asked about 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, who has not trained with the club during uncertainty over his future. The teenager’s representatives have reportedly asked Manchester United to end his registration, but the club have rejected that request and are continuing efforts to persuade him to stay.
Gabriel has scored 31 goals and provided four assists in 38 appearances for United’s under-18 side, in addition to two goals and two assists in two under-21 matches and a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah.
Carrick urged caution over the situation, prioritising the youngster’s welfare amid growing external attention.
“He’s a young boy,” Carrick said. “The exposure and scrutiny, we have to be careful, be sensible and think of him as much as anything. The situation will work itself out. Making sure he’s okay is the important thing.”
United travel to Fulham seeking a response after consecutive league defeats, with Carrick insisting the squad must remain composed, continue working and retain belief that results will improve.
