Michael Carrick insists he is not feeling any added pressure because of Manchester Uniteds dismal start to the Premier League season. United were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Tottenham on Saturday, Dominic Solanke equalising late on for Spurs despite Rodrigo Bentancurs red card, Bryan Mbeumo having seemingly put Carricks men on course for victory.The Red Devils have taken just six points from their opening six Premier League games, marking their worst start to a league season since the 1986-87 campaign.More troubling than the result against Tottenham was the nature of the performance at Old Trafford, where United were second best for long periods and were grateful for Spurs profligacy in the final third.The display raised the scrutiny on Carrick in his first season as permanent manager after an excellent interim spell last term.United boss: I love when its going against youBut Carrick, who confirmed United will be without both Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo for Tuesdays Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, is undaunted by the seemingly mounting external pressure.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Carrick said: Depends how you define pressure. We know what we want and what we expect. That comes from us. I know what it looks like, I dont feel the pressure from that, I want to win and succeed. Theres no negativity, were embracing the challenge.Theres going to be times when its a struggle and if you cant do something difficult and get through it youre not going to succeed.Its fine lines. We didnt start well the other day. The late goals weve conceded have all be avoidable but its fine margins.Asked if he is surprised by how quickly things have gone wrong, Carrick replied: We expected a lot more. I knew there was going to be a period where it became stickier. Thats part of it.Its a journey, there will have been times when its not gone to plan for Atletico, theyve had success but it hasnt all been in one direction.I understand people thinking its a disaster but thats not in our mindset. Youve got to be able to deal with it.The last three goals weve conceded we could have done something about them. That can be the difference. I love this part when its going against you. The fans are there and weve got to give them something. We will come through it.They [the players] care. Were here to test ourselves. If you dont want to dig deep its not the place for you.Ive seen it behind closed doors and in the changing rooms. Its a big week, two tough games but were looking forward to them. Well come out fighting.United visit Leeds United on Sunday in another testing league fixture, with the injuries to left-back Shaw and midfielder Mainoo far from ideal for Carricks side as they face a difficult week.Theyve not travelled, both picked up issues in the game at the weekend so theyre out, Carrick said of that pair.On striker Benjamin Sesko, who has not featured since the EFL Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on September 16 because of a shin issue, Carrick explained: Were still waiting for a few extra tests. We need to be on top of it. We havent got a timeframe [for his return]. Topics Atletico Madrid Champions League Manchester United F.C. Michael Carrick Premier League If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Real Madrid Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings 2026/27 Ben Miller 12th October, 2026 Coventry vs Newcastle: Confirmed teams and line ups in Premier League Ben Miller 12th October, 2026 Barcelona Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings 2026/27 Ben Miller 12th October, 2026 Flick hails Gabriel Jesus as perfect for Barcelona amid Raphinha absence Nicholas McGee 12th October, 2026 Man City Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings Ben Miller 12th October, 2026 Manchester United Champions League fixtures, results, squad and standings Ben Miller 12th October, 2026
