Michael Carrick’s First Press Conference: Everything The Interim Boss Said On Monday Afternoon

Written By Jacobs Dunga

Michael Carrick held his first press conference as the temporary coach of Manchester United this afternoon and the former captain spoke of Solskjær’s emotional departure and his plans for the job.

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Michael Carrick has said in his press conference that he’d be available for as long as Manchester United want him and that he only learned about the appointment on Sunday morning at training ground.

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“I found out yesterday morning at the training ground, didn’t know anything before then.

“I spoke to Ed, spoke to Ole. It was a bit of a rush to organise training and speak to players but it went really well all things considered. Every dealt with it in a classy manner.

“It is just about me preparing for tomorrow as best as we can. Players will be in good place heading into game we will make sure of that.”

On what he told the players to expect: “I haven’t got into the next couple of weeks at all. All about tomorrow night. A big game of football. For me it is a new challenge, one I am looking forward to. Everything geared towards tomorrow night.”

Carrick was speaking alongside club captain Harry Maguire who himself had warm words for the departed Solskjaer.

Carrick was asked if he has long term plans for the job and his response was literally simple and direct. “First and foremost it has been literally a day, 24 hours. The game is not much further away. All I have been thinking about is the game. Not looked past that, big game on the weekend but we will address whenever we need to. As long as club want me I will give my best.”

Carrick admitted there’s not much time to change things, he sees a similarity between his philosophy and that of Solskjær but did maintained he has his own personality which could be reflected.

“It is a challenge, of course it is. The initial reaction yesterday and coming to terms with the siutatution. You’ve got to focus, a great priviledge to be at this club in any position. A limited time (to change things) but a challenge I am relishing. Great people, great players working with me. A fantastic group.

“We will have to wait and see really. I worked with Ole closely, similair beliefs as a coach and manager. Got my own personality but it is very similar because that is why we worked together. I’m not giving my plans away but I am very clear in my own mind.”

On why the season hasn’t gone as planned, the new interim manager replied: “We could sit and talk through all certain things. Not the time to look back now, know what I could have done in my own mind better. It’s easy to look elsewhere, as a player I was exactly the same. For me what’s next is a flight to Spain and preparing for tomorrow.”

“In terms of what I’ve been told my mindset is preparing for tomorrow, giving my best.

“I know the club very well, been here an awful long time now. It’s the sacrifice and dedication you need whether that is one game, two, or a stretch longer. A big game for us in terms of group stages and I will go about my job exactly as I know.”

Carrick opened up on the serene and friendly environment created by Ole at the club which was the reason for the emotions after his departure was confirmed.

“First of all it’s been an emotional time for everyone at club. Worked with Ole for three years and known him for a lot longer. Knowing the person that he is, the values that he has, how he treats people. To see him lose his job was tough for me and a lot of people at the club.

“I think you can tell from the emotion yesterday what he meant to everyone. Results are everything as much as you build the right environment you don’t get what you deserve. A massive thank you from us all.”

There was a message for the fans just on the eve of a crucial game in Europe. “The biggest thing for fans is results. I could say all sorts of things about training and it would be the truth but honestly that doesn’t count for much.

“It’s about getting the right results and how we perform on the pitch. There is an expectancy at this club that doesn’t come with others.”

Meanwhile…

Harry Maguire threw his support behind the dismissed boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he admitted it was just not down to the former manager alone but the whole of the squad.

“We were in it together, we have done everything we can. We are giving everything, we want to succeed.

The manager came in and spoke to us, it was an emotional day. He was a legend, he will remain one.

“He wished us well, he will be supporting us. He wants us to win every game of football.

The players need to take responsibility for everything on and off the pitch. We were in this together. We are all so disappointed.

We need to get this club back to where it was.”

“Ultimately the manager has paid the price, we are all so disappointed by that. We know we haven’t been good enough. We have spoken about that. The lads want to succeed.”

Recalled Maguire was picked out by fans consistently for his porous defending throughout the struggles leading up to Ole’s dismissal.

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