Carrick backs Man United to emerge from rough spell ahead of Atletico test
MANU•Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said the team had fallen short of expectations but would come through a difficult spell ahead of its Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. United have six points from six Premier League matches, while Matthijs de Ligt returned to the travelling squad and Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw picked up injuries.
1. United’s difficult start
United have collected six points from their first six Premier League matches, their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87, when they had four points at the same stage. Carrick said the team expected more, but added: “We will come through it.”
2. Injuries ahead of Atletico
United beat Sabah FK 4-0 in their Champions League opener, while Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 at Liverpool. De Ligt returned to the travelling squad after a lengthy absence with a back injury dating back to November 2025. Mainoo and Shaw picked up injuries in United’s 1-1 draw with 10-man Tottenham Hotspur.
