Michael Carrick explains squad’s reaction to Newcastle loss and makes promise ahead of Villa | OneFootball

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has revealed how his players have reacted to last week’s defeat to Newcastle as preparations continue for Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa.

Unbeaten streak ended

Carrick was enjoying a fine run of seven games unbeaten until he and his players made their way to St James’ Park to face the Magpies.

There was plenty of confidence that Carrick would extend this run but United were stunned in first-half stoppage time when Anthony Gordon won a penalty, which he then converted to give the hosts the lead. But United didn’t trail for too long, as Casemiro headed home a brilliant Bruno Fernandes delivery before the break.

United’s hand was strengthened when Jacob Ramsey was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. However, they didn’t make advantage of the numerical advantage, producing a tepid and uninspired display against Eddie Howe’s resolute side.

United were made to pay in the dying embers of the game when William Osula got the beating of Tyrell Malacia and curled the ball into the back of the net, securing all three points for Newcastle.

Carrick was visibly upset after the full-time whistle, although he exercised restraint in his press conference, choosing not to lambast his players.

The interim head coach spoke to club media and revealed that the squad has reacted brilliantly to the setback. He also promised that they will learn from the mistakes made in Tyneside and improve when Aston Villa come to Old Trafford this weekend.

Carrick’s remarks

Carrick said, “It’s an important game. It’s one we’re looking forward to, you know. We’ve manoeuvred ourselves into such a good position now and it’s been a positive couple of months that we want to build on.”

“We’re coming off the back of losing a game, but it happens, we’ve seen pretty much everyone over recent weeks has lost. So that’s what this league brings and we’re putting things in perspective and understanding what we can do a little bit better.”

“But the boys have been really good in training again and just looking forward to the next game.”

He added about the team’s response, “Yeah, good. I think there’s an understanding of what we can do a little bit better in certain areas and we can improve, which is really good, but it’s coming off the back of good performances and a really good group of results as well.”

“It’s just putting things in the balance really and understanding where we’re at and taking the confidence that we’ve built up and the spirit and putting that into the next group of games, which is two before the international break and this Aston Villa one’s a really important one.”

Carrick spoke to United media while appearing at a Street Reds session in Old Trafford, in association with the Manchester United and Michael Carrick Foundations.

He stressed that his duties also extend to helping the Foundation and supporting the Academy.

“Yeah, 100 per cent. I think we see the football club, we see the football, we see what goes on the pitch, but I think this football club is an awful lot more than that.”

“I’ve seen it all, I’ve kind of lived through it, so I know how important it is and the work that we need to do away from the pitch. Whether that’s the foundation, whether that’s how we treat people, how we look after our own, the global fan base and everything.”

“I think the Academy is such an important part of this club too and has been for so long, so there’s a real responsibility to carry that through. So, I certainly feel that responsibility, but it’s a real privilege, to be honest, and playing a part like that is exactly what we should be doing.”

United vs. Villa kicks off at 2pm.

Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images

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