Carrick insists Manchester United board back him and denies toxic culture claims

Michael Carrick has moved to calm doubts about his future in the Manchester United dugout. The English coach insists the board still trusts his project, although he admits results must improve quickly to keep his job. His comments come after Erik ten Hag, his predecessor, claimed a toxic culture existed in the dressing room during his time at Old Trafford.

• Carrick says he feels backed by the Manchester United board.
• The team sits 13th in the Premier League with just one domestic win.
• Ten Hag accused Cristiano Ronaldo of letting the team down during his tenure.
• United visit Como in their third Champions League match with nine players out.

Carrick responds to Ten Hag's toxic culture accusations

Erik ten Hag, United boss between April 2022 and October 2024, sparked the controversy by stating the club fueled a toxic culture and gave too much power to the players during his reign. Carrick rejected that version when asked if he has experienced anything similar since taking charge in January.

No, I haven't. The players, the staff, they've given us everything that they could give. I couldn't be happier with the togetherness.

Board backing and the demand for immediate results

A 1-1 draw at Leeds left Manchester United in 13th place in the Premier League, with only one win in the competition. Their only victory in all competitions came against Azerbaijani side Sabah, a 4-0 home result in the Champions League. Carrick insists he has not sought guarantees from the owners about his continuity.

The 45-year-old explained he maintains an excellent relationship with everyone at the club. He added that he is fully aware of his role and responsibilities, and that only wins will allow everything to fall into place. He mentioned director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada as clear points of contact in internal discussions.

Ten Hag hits out at Cristiano Ronaldo and the board

Ten Hag's criticism went beyond the dressing room culture. The Dutch coach accused Cristiano Ronaldo of letting the team down and letting him down personally, because they planned with the Portuguese forward. He recalled that after the 4-0 defeat at Brentford, Ronaldo refused to complete a run in training.

Ten Hag also blamed the board for not keeping promises he says were made before he signed his contract extension. He cited the sale of Scott McTominay as an example, a deal he claimed he asked to avoid and one that left him deeply disappointed. His tenure ended with FA Cup glory in 2024.

Nine absentees hamper United ahead of Como trip in the Champions League

Manchester United face Wednesday's match against Como with a wave of absences. Leny Yoro is suspended and Ayden Heaven is ill. Injuries to Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte add to the list.

The loss of five regular defenders forces Carrick to field an unfamiliar back line. Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November due to a back problem, could feature. The 19-year-old left-back Harry Amass is also being considered for minutes. A severe weather warning for lightning and rain in Como could affect the 5:45pm kick-off.

What is at stake for Manchester United on matchday three of the Champions League

United need their second European victory to avoid complicating their qualification hopes. The win over Sabah remains the only bright spot in a dull start to the season. A slip-up in Italy would leave the team in an uncomfortable position and pile more pressure on Carrick, who retains the club's confidence for now.