Ahead of the mid-week action at Newcastle, Michael Carrick discusses what will be a tough test at St James' Park, injury news, not looking too far ahead, his captain and more.
Carrick is hoping that defenders Shaw and Maguire will be available for the trip to Newcastle after both picked up issues in the win over Palace. "We've still got a bit of time to the game so we'll see how they feel."
United's interim doesn't want complacency in his team as he wants them to stay grounded and understand what is required to win. "I certainly won't get carried away."
On grabbing in the Premier League, Carrick believes things have gone too far. He explains how not so long ago, it was the opposite in that no one could "lay a hand on anyone in the box." With the success and reliance of corners, he says that grabbing is something that more teams tend to do now. "As a game, it doesn't feel like we've got that balance right."
In terms of qualifying for the Champions League, Carrick doesn't want to look too far ahead. It's about staying present as going to Newcastle will be tough.
Carrick is unsurprised at the form his side has shown since he took over saying that "every game is winnable." Despite this form, the interim believes improves are there to be made.
On his skipper, the former United midfielder says that "there is not loads more I can add" about current midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
Final Thoughts
I have seen this complacency creep in, to some extent. It hasn't been as bad as before but I feel that looking at recent games, we have slacked off a little in terms of that energy and intensity.
We've still managed to win but the performances haven't been up to snuff causing to be in this wierd position of feeling great due to the wins but also questioning what the plan is looking forward as this style is unsustainable.
Due to Carrick's calm demeanour though, I don't doubt that he will keep to his word of staying grounded and instill this into his players as well.
Given the good relationship he has with his squad, they will listen to him and do as he says, which is something we've seen occur during matches when it comes to how he's changed things since he arrived.
It's important that we don't get distracted because we know that in this league, any slip up will be punished. Look at how we overtaken all of Chelsea, Liverpool and Villa. They dropped points while we found consistency.
I think everyone is having issues with grabbing in the box.
Carrick is right. Previously, breathing on another player was seen as an infringement. That's an over exaggeration but YKWIM.
Now, it's the complete opposite. Kobbie Mainoo's Instagram story from a couple of games ago showed what he thought about modern-day corners. He likened it to a Royal Rumble and you can see why.
When it comes to this form under Carrick of being unbeaten and winning six from seven, I don't think anyone saw this coming. As much as he can see it's unsurprising, he probably didn't see it coming either.
My preview for Newcastle.
I don't think many thought we would've beaten both City and Arsenal right at the start but credit to Carrick and the players for this run. To be the only undefeated side in 2026 and be the league's in form team is not easy especially when you consider the turmoil on and off the pitch a few months ago.
The thing is, we do have good players. But good enough to be at Man Utd? Probably not, at least not all of them.
Of course, the manager has to come out and back his players but I think deep down, we all know that a lot of these man have to go if we want to compete for the league. Improves absolutely HAVE to be made.
Michael Carrick isn't getting carried away with Man Utd's current form | Michael Carrick | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)