LEEDS: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick took the positive side from his team’s mental resilience during their 1-1 draw against Leeds United in the English Premier League (EPL).
United have now only recorded one win in seven league matches, sinking to 13th place, a far cry from their third-place finish last season.
Carrick admitted that his team still failed to show their true quality, especially when in possession of the ball, but still saw positive developments through the players’ discipline and spirit of togetherness when facing pressure in a fierce clash at Elland Road.
“Perhaps in terms of the highest quality, we haven’t reached the best level that we are actually capable of displaying. With the results achieved before, our game hasn’t been really smooth, but there are still positive things that can be taken,” he said.
For Carrick, what matters more is how his players respond when faced with adversity.
After only drawing 1-1 with bottom-placed Tottenham Hotspur last week before losing 0-2 to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, United’s preparations ahead of the clash with Leeds were also overshadowed by controversy involving Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine defender had previously publicly criticised the club’s management before coming forward to apologise.
In this situation, Carrick placed more emphasis on the organizational aspect of the game than the style of performance. United were seen as more difficult to penetrate, while the players were praised for adhering to their respective roles and responsibilities in a match that he described as fierce and could favor either team.
“It’s not just about effort. It’s about how you execute it, the planning, the responsibilities and the roles. I think the players execute those responsibilities well most of the time,” he said.
However, the weaknesses that haunt United have yet to be overcome when they give up advantages through set pieces, as well as failing to display enough quality when in possession to control the game.
The situation once again caused Carrick to be satisfied with a draw, instead of the victory his team desperately needed at the moment.
However, after a week that was also overshadowed by developments off the pitch, Carrick insisted that the harmony in the dressing room remained intact.
“I look at the team’s togetherness, spirit and unity. I never doubted that among the players. The way we performed today gives me confidence in the team’s ability to continue moving forward,” he said.
United now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Como.