Michael Carrick in action for Manchester United in 2026

Michael Carrick demands humility and hard work as Manchester United seek Bournemouth response

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Oct 23, 2026, 3:35 pm
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Image: IMAGO / News Images

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has urged his players to rediscover their humility, sacrifice and work ethic following Wednesday's 4–1 Champions League defeat to Como.

United have now gone seven matches without a victory, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

Carrick challenges United players

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Carrick insisted his squad must return to the standards that brought success last season.

Asked whether his players understood the importance of those qualities, he replied:

"They have to, they have to."

"We went on a really, really good run – the best run in the league out of everybody at that point," Carrick explained.

"It's there, we've got to find it individually, got to find it as a team, and I've got to find it for everyone."

The United boss stressed that ability alone is not enough.

"You have to earn the right to be better than your opponent, you have to do more than your opponent to win a game," he said.

United boss stresses unity amid pressure

Carrick apologised to supporters following the defeat in Italy and acknowledged that recent performances have fallen below expectations.

However, he remains convinced the squad can recover.

"Principles and values are so, so important to the football club, definitely to me," he said.

"That spirit, that unity, that togetherness needs to be there," Carrick added.

The manager believes rebuilding those standards is essential to ending United's poor run.

Key Points

  • Carrick has demanded greater humility, sacrifice and effort.
  • United are winless in seven matches.
  • The manager believes the squad can rediscover last season's form.
  • Carrick has emphasised unity despite mounting pressure.

What's Next?

Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 October.

Carrick will be looking for an immediate response as his side attempt to end their winless run.

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