Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Michael Carrick considered that returning Manchester United to its former glories "will not happen overnight," as he prepares to face Aston Villa on Sunday in the English Football League in a match that may be his last at the helm of the coaching staff.
Published on: 06/11/2026 - 16:07
United ended a series of nine matches without any victory after overturning a 0-2 deficit to win a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italian club Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The “Red Devils” have not achieved any victory in the league since August, and they are far from the relegation zone on goal difference only.
The Manchester United board of directors gave Carrick an additional opportunity, but the two-week international break after facing Aston Villa gives the management an opportunity to make a change, unless he succeeds in proving that the team is on the right path.
The former midfielder was a member of Manchester United's golden era under the leadership of historic coach Alex Ferguson, who saw the club win many major titles.
But the club's results have declined significantly since the Scottish coach's retirement following the last season in which the team won the league title in 2013.
Carrick rejected the idea that it is impossible to repeat the success that Ferguson built, as he said in a press conference, “It is not impossible. Everything is possible.”
He added, "In light of the recent history that we have lived through and the place we want to reach, this will not be achieved in the blink of an eye, and it will not happen overnight."
He continued, "Success takes time, and we do not like to wait, but it requires a period of construction. We showed a very quick reaction and achieved great development last season, and this shows what is possible, but continuity is the basis, and consistency in level is the key."
He also said, "There is no other way to achieve this. There are no shortcuts, and in the end this is the destination you want to reach, but it is definitely possible."
The joy of victory over Roma was marred by an injury to Cameroonian player Carlos Baleba, who joined the team for 70 million pounds ($93 million), in the hamstring muscles, which will keep him out of the field for an indefinite period.
Carrick confirmed that the midfielder will be absent for "several weeks."
© 2026 AFP
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