Maguire Says Manchester United Squad Back Carrick After Bournemouth Defeat
Harry Maguire has insisted Manchester United’s players remain behind Michael Carrick, while accepting that the squad must take responsibility after a damaging 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.
Manchester United’s difficult week
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Latest result | Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth | Home defeat on Sunday |
| Champions League result | Como 4-1 Manchester United | Defeat on Wednesday |
| Winless sequence | Eight matches | United have not won during the run |
| Next fixture | Saturday | Away to Chelsea |
United’s defeat to Bournemouth concluded a grim few days for Carrick’s side, following their 4-1 Champions League reverse at Como. The result extended the club’s winless spell to eight games and intensified scrutiny around the coaching staff.
Maguire wore the captain’s armband against Bournemouth with Bruno Fernandes absent from the starting line-up, but the defender said the group still has faith in Carrick. He pointed to the impact Carrick made after arriving last season, when United recovered to finish third and secure Champions League qualification.
“We are fully behind Michael,” Maguire said. “He came in last season, changed the direction of the season and got us into third place and back into the Champions League. But, as players, we have not performed well enough.”
Tensions have surfaced within the United camp in recent weeks. Lisandro Martínez questioned director of football Jason Wilcox following the loss to Atlético Madrid, while Fernandes was left unused against Bournemouth after raising concerns over Carrick’s approach during the defeat at Como.
Maguire nevertheless placed a significant share of the blame on the squad. He said the results and displays had fallen below United’s required standard, calling on every member of the side to contribute more.
“Every player has to assess himself and find more to give the team,” he said. “We can still make this a good season, but things need to change quickly. It has clearly been a disappointing beginning.”
United travel to Chelsea on Saturday, with Carrick seeking an immediate response and a first victory in nine matches.
