Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick took his first press conference since taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Monday afternoon, ahead of an important trip to Villarreal in the Champions League.
The former United midfielder was sat alongside captain Harry Maguire to not only preview the game itself, but to react to Solskjaer’s dismissal which was emotional when you consider the club had to say goodbye to one of its many legends.
Carrick told reporters (via Manchester Evening News): “It’s an emotional time for everyone at the club. I worked with Ole for three years and known him for a lot longer. 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.”
Although results have been nowhere near good enough this season, fans were sad to see the Norwegian sacked after spending the best part of three years hopeful that he would be the one to bring success back to Old Trafford.
Solskjaer can have no complaints and as someone who truly loves the club, he will want to see the team pick up from where they are currently by securing qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
United also need to improve their form in the Premier League after losing 4-1 away to Watford on Saturday, however, caretaker boss Carrick doesn’t know how long he is likely to stay in the role.
“My mindset is preparing the team for tomorrow,” he added. “Give it my best. The club has been my life for an awful long time. I’m prepared to do it for however long it takes, whether it’s one game, two games, or a little stretch longer than that. Right now, I’m not too sure. That’s not something that’s on my mind.
“It’s not to be looking back right now. Of course, I know in my mind what I could have done better, what could have been improved. I think it’s important that everyone looks at themselves.”
SN’s verdict on Solskjaer dismissal and Carrick as caretaker boss…
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job became untenable after bad results, but I immediately fear that as someone who worked so closely with the Norwegian, we won’t see much change tomorrow night against Villarreal.
It’s also next to impossible to expect Carrick to stamp his own style on the team with just two training sessions leading up to the game.
It remains to be seen whether the next manager will see him as part of his plans after working with not only under Solskjaer, but Jose Mourinho prior to that as well.
