Manchester United’s interim coach says first loss was bound to happen but the team are “itching to get going” again
Michael Carrick says his Manchester United team are eager to respond to their recent defeat when they face Aston Villa in a decisive tie in the race for the Champions League spots on Sunday.
United’s unbeaten run under Carrick came to an end last weekend when Newcastle snatched a dramatic late victory. Substitute William Osula produced a stunning solo effort in the 90th minute to secure the win for Newcastle despite the Magpies being reduced to ten men.
Carrick believes the defeat has improved his team’s focus ahead of the weekend’s meeting at Old Trafford, where third-placed United will host fourth-placed Villa, both level on points.
“I understand the first defeat feels different but it was going to come at some point,” Carrick said. “Most teams have suffered that at some point.
“It has been a really good week in some ways. We have put ourselves in a position where there is a lot to play for.
“It was disappointing the way the game ended [against Newcastle] but we have digested that, looked at it and learned from it. We have trained really well this week and the boys are itching to get going.”
Carrick stepped in as interim manager in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim and has overseen a strong run of results that lifted United into the top three.
The defeat to Newcastle also drew an apparently negative reaction from former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who posted a blunt message on Instagram questioning the team’s recent performances. Asked about the former club midfielder’s remarks, Carrick played down its significance.
“It was nothing really, nothing to say about it really,” Carrick said. “That is just where we are in terms of social media captions and quotes.
“It can be taken in different ways, so just be calm about it. There are different opinions out there and things can be taken from one extreme to another. It is what it is. I am not worried about it. I don’t make a big deal about it.”
United could receive a boost this weekend with the return of Mason Mount, who has missed the club’s last six league matches through injury.
“He is an important player for us,” Carrick said. “He is not 100% and he has only trained for a small period of time. But he is back and that’s good for us. We will see if he is involved on Sunday. That is it in terms of the players coming back.”
Carrick also believes defender Harry Maguire has done enough to re-enter the conversation for an international recall with England national football team.
Maguire last featured for England in a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland national football team in September 2024 under interim coach Lee Carsley. After missing nearly two months with a thigh injury, the centre-back has impressed since returning to the side under Carrick.
“He has definitely put himself back in the frame, if he was ever out of it,” said Carrick. “Hopefully from my point of view he gets picked and he goes [to this summer’s World Cup].
“Harry has been playing well, that is pretty obvious to say. Considering you look back not too long ago and he was out for a considerable period of time injured. He came straight back in when we arrived [in January] so there has been a bit of managing him through the weeks and the games and getting him right up to speed physically.
“He has just shown his experience, composure in certain situations. He knows what it feels like, he knows what it takes and he has done ever so well.”
