Carrick hits back at Ten Hag claims of 'toxic culture' at Manchester United

Michael Carrick pushed back on Tuesday against Erik ten Hag's recent claims of a toxic culture at Manchester United. The under-pressure English coach defended his position and the response of his squad before travelling to Como on Wednesday, where only a much-needed Champions League victory will ease the growing scrutiny over the club's worst league start in 40 years.

• Manchester United have gone six straight matches without a win across all competitions.
• Carrick says he needs no public reassurance from the board and maintains an excellent relationship with everyone at the club.
• Ten Hag accused the club of broken promises and of fuelling a toxic culture in a recent interview.
• As many as eight players are ruled out for the trip to Italy due to injury, illness or suspension.
• The team have not tasted victory in the Champions League since the 4-0 win over Sabah in September.

Ten Hag's remarks and Carrick's measured response

Two years after his dismissal, Erik ten Hag spoke bluntly about his time at Old Trafford. In an interview published this week, the Dutchman accused the club of broken promises and claimed the institution continues to fuel a toxic atmosphere, giving power to the players. He singled out Marcus Rashford as a case of immense talent that requires corrections when his mindset dips.

Asked about those comments ahead of the European fixture, Carrick refused to be drawn into an open confrontation but made his stance clear. He stated he does not need anyone to remind him of the demands of the job and recognises that only victories will allow everything to fall back into place.

A six-game winless run and the club's worst league start in decades

The pressure on Carrick has intensified as the season has unfolded. United have managed just two wins in their ten competitive matches overall and travel to Italy with six consecutive games without a victory. Their last Champions League success came in the opening fixture, a comprehensive 4-0 win over Sabah in September.

That form has plunged the club into uncharted territory, recording their poorest domestic start in four decades. Despite the numbers, the head coach emphasised the unity he feels within the camp. He said both players and staff have given everything since his return and that recent performances, including strong spells against Atlético Madrid, prove there is real togetherness and a shared determination to improve.

Carrick insists the board's support is not in question

Rather than seeking public displays of confidence, Carrick appeared relaxed when discussing his relationship with the hierarchy. He underlined that he enjoys a very positive connection with every department at the football club and sees no issues or problems on that front. His message centred strictly on sporting matters: winning matches so that everything else can move forward naturally.

The players and the staff have given us everything they could give since I came back. We have had good performances and some that we want to do better on. But there is a lot of togetherness, a lot of will and determination to do better and to do it for each other, which is important.

Injury and sickness crisis ahead of the Como test

The challenge against Cesc Fàbregas' side comes with major selection headaches. Up to eight squad members are not available for the trip to Italy through injury, illness or suspension, including Leny Yoro, who is banned after seeing red in last week's 2-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid.

Carrick offered an update on several players. Lisandro Martínez has been left in Manchester with a minor issue and will be assessed before the weekend meeting with Bournemouth. Kobbie Mainoo could be out for around ten more days, while Luke Shaw's recovery is expected to take a little longer. Ayden Heaven is unwell, and Rashford is still dealing with a hip problem that has proved difficult to shake off. Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also sidelined through injury.

Heavy rain not a concern for the United boss

The United squad landed in Italy on Tuesday evening to steady rain that shows no signs of easing. Forecasts suggest over 60mm of rainfall in the 24 hours before kick-off, with an orange warning for severe weather issued by the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service.

Asked whether he had any concerns about the pitch condition or the match itself being impacted, Carrick remained unfazed. He said there was nothing immediate to worry about and pointed out that his side are used to rain, so they will look to make the most of it.

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