Carrick delivers 5m 27s address and refuses to rule out stripping Fernandes of captaincy

Michael Carrick turned Friday's press conference into a public statement of intent. The Manchester United head coach began with a 5-minute, 27-second monologue in which he talked about humility, resilience and earning the right to win, a message that sounded like a direct call to his squad after a dismal start to the season.

• Carrick spoke for 5 minutes and 27 seconds before being asked a single question.
• He said he is '100%' confident he can turn United's form around.
• He did not rule out dropping Bruno Fernandes or stripping him of the captaincy.
• He claimed he would hold an umbrella so everyone else could stay dry.
• United have won only two of 11 matches and sit 13th in the Premier League.

A 5-minute 27-second monologue aimed at the dressing room

The pressure on Carrick intensified on Wednesday when Bruno Fernandes questioned his tactics after the 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como. The 45-year-old refused to rule out leaving the midfielder out of the side or taking the armband away from him ahead of Sunday's visit from Bournemouth.

I'll always do what's best for the football club. The most important thing for me is the team, first and foremost – the squad, the dynamics in the squad.

The speech came after the events in Como and after Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised Jason Wilcox a week earlier over the signings made by the director of football. Carrick decided to take the floor without being asked a question, an unusual move that set the tone for his appearance.

What is at stake for Carrick against Bournemouth and United's current crisis

Manchester United have won only two of their eleven matches and head into the weekend sitting 13th in the Premier League. In that context, Carrick insisted the dressing room is not divided and that everyone shares his determination.

We need to respect what it takes to be here, respect what it takes to win, what you have to do to win. I'm not entitled to be here. Entitlement cannot be at this football club. We're not entitled to win. We've won in the past, we've got an incredible history, but that doesn't mean you're entitled to just win.

The former teammates Carrick mentioned to restore United's identity

Carrick, a decorated United player for twelve seasons until 2018, turned to two former teammates to explain the sacrifice the club demands. He pointed out that Ryan Giggs, arguably one of the greatest players in the club's history, never put himself above Manchester United, and that Wayne Rooney, the club's all-time top scorer, was defined by playing for the team and sacrificing for the good of the group.

He also looked back at Sir Alex Ferguson, described as the greatest manager of all time, and at Sir Matt Busby and Sir Bobby Charlton, recalling the resilience they showed in rebuilding the club after the Munich air disaster in 1958.

Carrick's response about his future in the dugout

Asked whether he could embody those values and change the course of the campaign, the head coach responded firmly and confirmed he has spoken to both the hierarchy and the players about the situation.

One hundred per cent, yeah. There's always conversations going on. It's pretty obvious how we're all feeling. The responsibility for me to be in this position is to lead.

The umbrella example: Carrick's role as a shield for the group

To underline his selfless attitude, the coach used a striking image and said he would hold an umbrella so he got wet while keeping everyone else dry. It was his way of explaining how he understands his privileged position in the dugout.

I'll hold that umbrella for me to get wet and for everyone else to stay dry. That's the position I'm in and it's a privileged position.

He also issued a direct warning to any squad member who does not share his commitment and defended that there are no factions inside the dressing room.

If you don't, this is not the place for you. It's not divided. We just need to get back to doing what we do best and we will.

Frequently asked questions about Michael Carrick's press conference