Michael Carrick is adamant Manchester United possess the resilience to overcome their early-season slump, insisting that tiny margins have swung against his side during a challenging period. United have secured just four points from their opening four Premier League fixtures and suffered a painful midweek exit from the League Cup, surrendering a two-goal lead to drop a 3-2 decision against Brighton at Old Trafford—the first time the club has blown a two-goal cushion at home in 50 years. Despite the growing scrutiny ahead of Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, Carrick remains steadfast in his conviction that his team will weather the storm.
Having earned the permanent managerial role after a successful temporary spell that secured third place in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League, Carrick understands the heavy expectations surrounding Old Trafford. “History tells you that any team that’s successful goes through periods when you have to work through it, come through it and improve,” Carrick explained. “It is a week or two, the games haven’t gone our way. It’s tiny margins in some of those games. We will work through it. Winning games is always the answer, it can cover up a lot of things at times as well.” He stressed that managing such moments is an essential requirement of representing the club, acknowledging that small disappointments often lead to something bigger.
Squad reinforcements could arrive at a pivotal moment as United prepare to visit Fulham. Luke Shaw is in line to boost the side with a return from injury at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, forward Benjamin Sesko is pushing for his first start of the season after coming off the bench to score in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Everton. Defensive relief is also on the horizon, with Carrick confirming that center-back Matthijs de Ligt is nearing a comeback after spending nearly a year out with a back injury.
The upcoming schedule brings the added responsibility of balancing domestic duties with elite European competition as United prepare for a Champions League fixture against Sabah. Returning to Europe’s top club competition for the first time in three years, Carrick insists his squad must embrace a heavy workload that includes playing Thursday, Sunday, and Wednesday. Managing the group and having trust in every player will be essential during this demanding stretch. Carrick believes United are capable of competing with Europe’s best, pointing to their tactical authority in the second half of last season when they recorded victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
While expressing belief that United can go far in European competition, Carrick cautioned against looking too far ahead, recognizing that the Champions League represents a new experience for several members of his squad. Rebuilding momentum through victory at Fulham, managing squad rotation, and turning tight contests in their favor remain the clear focus as Manchester United look to put their early setbacks behind them.
