Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said his side’s commitment and willingness to make sacrifices will eventually bring the results they deserve after a 1-1 draw away to Leeds United in the seventh round of the Premier League.
Carrick praised the team’s preparation and attitude after a demanding match, saying the squad had produced one of its strongest weeks in training for some time.
“I’ve never doubted it; I can truly feel it,” he said of the players’ fighting spirit. “The atmosphere within the team, everyone’s feeling, and the way the lads have approached training and preparation, it’s genuinely been one of our best periods in quite some time.”
Carrick had spoken to the players before the match about the significance of visiting Leeds, the rivalry’s history and the demands of playing at Elland Road. He said the occasion would expose any lack of preparation and test the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
The manager accepted that Manchester United’s display was not flawless but felt it showed unity and determination. He also highlighted the impact of a new-look midfield, with Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos forming a young and dynamic central partnership.
Both players are still adapting to the club, but Carrick said they had impressed in the midweek fixture as well as against Leeds. He described their performances as “a huge positive sign”, while acknowledging that other squad options were either available or temporarily sidelined by injury.
Tactically, Manchester United made only limited changes. Amad Diallo was given greater defensive responsibility on the right, while Matheus Cunha sometimes moved from the left into a central position. Carrick said the adjustments were designed to deal with Leeds’ wide play and their threat in behind the defence.
Bryan Mbeumo scored for the second successive week and was again asked to operate in a demanding role with Benjamin Sesko absent. Carrick praised the forward’s selflessness, both in defensive situations and when attacking.
“Bryan gives so much to this team; he is an incredibly sacrificial player,” said Carrick. “He’s willing to do almost anything that’s asked of him for the overall benefit of the team.”
The manager added that Mbeumo could have scored twice against Leeds and had also made dangerous runs in the midweek match.
Carrick said the performance represented a fresh starting point for the team, with the players accepting their current position and taking practical steps to improve.
“We won’t get carried away or overly triumphant because of this match, as we didn’t win in the end,” he said. “But I firmly believe that as long as you continue to do the right things with the right motives, you will eventually get the rewards you deserve.”
He also singled out Youri Tielemans, who provided an assist and might have created further opportunities. Carrick said the midfielder had delivered the experience, leadership and character expected when Manchester United signed him, adding that his arrival had strengthened the team considerably.
