Interim coach praises players for “the togetherness and the support” they have shown over the season
Michael Carrick says he is considering giving more opportunities to fringe players in Manchester United’s upcoming clash with Sunderland after praising the attitude of his entire squad.
Carrick has largely kept faith with a settled starting lineup since taking charge, but admitted he is aware of the need to reward players who have had fewer minutes.
“I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,” Carrick said.
“Some have played a lot more than others and I understand, from a professional and a playing point of view, it can be difficult.
“But the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly to each other, is great to see.
“It’s what we need within the group and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked.
“I think it’s something that we’re really keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well but, yeah, it’s definitely something to be aware of.”
United currently sit third in the Premier League and Carrick insisted there would be no complacency against a Sunderland side still chasing a strong finish in their first season back in the top-flight.
“They have got an awful lot to play for,” Carrick said. “I think it’s very tight – sixth to 12th maybe is really, really tight. Three, four points, so I think they’ve got a lot to play for.
“They’ve had a fantastic season. Not easy to come and get promoted and to stay in the league, first and foremost, has proved difficult over recent times.
“But to be in the top half and to be within the touching distance of getting in Europe as well, it’s full credit to the season that they’ve had.”
