Every word of Michael Carrick’s Tottenham pre-match press conference | OneFootball

Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has addressed the media this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Carrick started the press conference by shining a light on his first meeting with Tottenham boss Thomas Frank: “It can change. I really enjoyed it, we got on really well, first time I had met him properly. We had a good chat about football and processes and ideas. He was really accommodating, I enjoyed it.”

The former midfielder was then asked how it felt to leave Spurs for the Red Devils.

He said: “It was pretty instant. I have really fond memories of Tottenham, I was there for what feels like a short time but really enjoyed it. Good team, Martin Jol was manager, a lot of things I learnt at the club in a short period. Coming here was a big jump and I felt that pretty quickly. Once you step inside this place as a footballer it turns you, from the first day walking into the dressing room and meeting the manager, that was me.”

Carrick’s reaction to Tottenham’s abysmal form

With Frank struggling to steady the ship in North London, Carrick was quizzed about his thoughts on the Lilywhites.

“They certainly bring a challenge,” the United boss said. “The way they finished the game the other day, they’ve had, over a period, players injured, a lot of changes to the team which makes things more difficult. They’re getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the backline and play forward and attack the box an awful lot. A slightly different game to what we’ve played in recent weeks but we’re looking forward to, we are in a good place, the boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let’s not get carried away. It’s about what’s next. Big challenge ahead.”

What Carrick thinks of Manchester United’s recent performances

United’s winning streak has given Carrick plenty to look forward to.

The Englishman said: “Coming in at the very start and the games so quickly, it was kind of step by step. I wasn’t looking too far ahead. People were saying at the time the first two games were standout and we expected a tough start and in some ways that helped get the whole group focused and alive. I didn’t look too far ahead. Over time we got a vague idea of what we wanted to look like and since we’ve been here that becomes a lot clearer of what direction we want to go in and how we want to play. The three wins have been fantastic in different ways. We’ve got a lot of growth in the team and squad.”

Injury update

Asked about the status of his injured players, he replied: “Mason sooner [than De Ligt]. He’s not too far away. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long. Matta is working his way back, taking good steps and improving and being really positive. Hopefully won’t be too long.”

Matthijs de Ligt, who delivered a statement performance against Tottenham away from home, has not featured for the Mancunians since the end of November.

Will Manchester United play mid-season friendlies?

The next question was about potential friendlies due to gaps in the schedule.

“At this stage, there is nothing confirmed,” he answered. “We’re aware of the schedule and there are some spaces we can use in different ways. It’s all up for discussion at the moment but nothing has been decided. It might happen, it might not, we will see.”

Carrick insisted his players are focused on the ongoing season when asked about United’s summer plans.

The 44-year-old told the reporters: “The players have been spot on and fully focused. We’re all aware of the bigger situation and what might happen. As a player, you focus on what’s ahead of you, trying to achieve what you can at this moment in time and the rest of the season. I’ve got no concerns. The lads have been better than you can imagine. We’re focused on being better, improving and getting ourselves and this club to where we want to be. Small steps but it’s a big end to the season.”

Carrick on Munich anniversary

Finally, Carrick paid tribute to the club’s history and Munich Air Disaster victims, stating: “It means a great deal. We were just saying how long it would take to love this place, it was quickly. As soon as you come you’re made aware and you can’t help but know and understand the history. It’s a responsibility to know what came before us and the behaviours and responsibilities we need to carry through. Munich is the biggest part of the history of this club, the tragedy itself and how the team and the football club bounced back. And the success which carried on. Sir Alex mentioned it when I came, it was important to him and us, it’s a way of life for the club. It’s important we carry it on, I was here for the 50th, 60th, we will see about the 70th. Being aware of it and around it, you really feel that emotion. Inside the stadium on Saturday we’ll feel it as well.”

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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