Michael Carrick spoke after Man United’s defeat to Leeds in the Premier League on Monday night.
Michael Carrick defended Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte after the Leeds defeat on Monday. Ugarte started for the first time under Carrick as Leeds claimed a first league win at Old Trafford for 45 years.
The midfielder failed to stop the cross into the box for Leeds’ opening goal and there were groans from United fans when he misplaced a few passes. Ugarte has now started 10 games for United this season, and he has won just once in that spell (against Newcastle on Boxing Day).
However, Carrick did not believe Ugarte was a problem against Leeds, insisting during his post-match press conference that he was pleased with the 25-year-old’s contribution, particularly after the sending off.
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When asked if Ugarte’s form was a concern, Carrick said: “No, no, I think when he’s played since I’ve been here… Whatever has gone on before has gone on before and it’s not for me to comment on that.
“Since I’ve come in, and he’s played and come on, he’s been fine. I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu. It was one of those games when it was a tough night. I actually thought, especially when we went down to 10 men, that he did a lot of covering for other players to be able to attack.”
Ugarte came into the starting team in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo picked up a small injury in training during preparations to face Leeds, and United staff did not want to risk the youngster.
That means Mainoo could return in time to face Chelsea this weekend at Stamford Bridge. Discussing whether he’d seen enough from United in the second half against Leeds, Carrick said: “I have to say whatever has happened tonight is not going to change my opinion for what we are as a team.
“We’ve built enough with a foundation to understand what we’re good at and what we need to improve at. It will be a big end to the season, there’s no getting away from it, but the character and mentality of the boys wanting to do well, I’ve never doubted that, and I won’t doubt that.
“The boys are desperate to do well and improve. We’ve done a lot of good things so far and we need to do more.”
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