After Manchester United drew 1-1 with Fulham in an away match in the fifth round of the Premier League, Manchester United manager Carrick attended a press conference to answer questions from the media.

Michael, how do you assess the team's performance and today's result?

Very disappointing that we couldn't win the match; we came here to win. I thought we gave a lot of effort in the match and were absolutely deserving of victory, just look at the chances we created. Their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves and was possibly man of the match, and we also hit the post twice. We should have been ahead earlier.

In the second half, they did briefly apply some pressure, which led to an own goal—a very unfortunate own goal. I was very pleased with the team's response after that. I think everyone did a great job trying to get back into the game, and although the equalizing goal came quite late, I think the players handled it well. They stayed calm, patient, and kept pressing with strong tactical intent, and ultimately got rewarded with a positive result. Without being complacent, this is a small but solid step for us. We came to get three points, but at least we took something from the match and can build on that.

You mentioned taking a positive step. Given the poor results over recent weeks, how much will gaining a point here help heading into the international break?

Yes, of course, this is not ideal. I've said before that a dip like this was bound to happen sooner or later. There seemed to be signs early in the season, and from another perspective, we've faced opponents where every 25-yard shot goes into the top corner, conceded controversial goals that shouldn't have been goals, and today an own goal. These unfortunate things always happen in football. The difference between winning and losing is often fine, and situations can turn around in an instant. I know we can do better, and in some areas, we clearly need to improve. But at the same time, I'm not despairing or downhearted because I think we're also showing some very positive signs.

Hello Michael. At certain stages in the match, the team seemed to lack some dynamism in attack, and sometimes it felt like the opposition had more momentum than you. Also, statistics from last weekend mentioned running issues. Can you identify a specific reason for this now? Is it a fitness issue, or simply a matter of how the match played out?

No, I don't think so. From our performance in the closing stages, that's not what I saw. I was quite pleased with how we finished the match; I thought we were very strong in the final stages, constantly pressing, so I don't think that's an issue.

This has clearly been a challenging week for the players, but the way they finished the match and the resilience they showed in getting the equalizer was very impressive. It would have been easy to give up and feel sorry for themselves tonight. Do you think they showed the right mentality and character to pull the team through this difficult period?

Yes, that's a big thing. Without being complacent, even though we only got a point when we wanted to win, this is part of the team's learning and growth. As I said, this is the first time we've experienced a difficult two-week period like this, and though it hasn't been long, it's a phase where results haven't matched expectations. Throughout this process, everyone will get to know each other better. They understand me better because we haven't been through this before, and I'm also getting to know them better, both as individuals and as a team.

How we handle this, how we perform in the future, how we react—all of this is part of the team's development. You have to go through some hardship to truly come of age. Today's situation could easily have spiraled completely out of control, 100 percent. But I was very pleased with the team's response, and I think it will be very helpful for our development going forward. The quality of resilience is there, the players feel it, and I see it firsthand. So, looking ahead is encouraging, even though we only got a point today.

Hello Michael. When Mainoo was substituted, there seemed to be some booing from the away supporters. Did you hear that? Do you understand those emotions?

Yes, there are always various reactions when substitutions are made. To be frank, I thought Mainoo played very well, and the change was simply because at that stage of the match, we were trying to break the deadlock and make some tactical adjustments, and Mainoo understood that. He's fine; I spoke with him after the match, and his mentality is good. He's just thinking about the team and what's best for the team; that's football.

I understand that when you're behind and chasing the game, emotions can run high, and fans are no different. They have every right to feel that way, and they want us to make the right decisions. But I'm not at all bothered by it, and I don't feel offended. I think we just need to try and continue doing the right thing to get back into the match. I have to say, our fans were fantastic today, supporting the players from start to finish and standing shoulder to shoulder with them. At least we gave them a small reward at the end, and I believe we'll perform better in the future.

Michael, can you understand why frustration might be spreading among the fans? Before the new season, after qualifying for the Champions League last season, everyone was excited, and you previously said preseason preparations went smoothly. But now, with the difficult weeks you've mentioned, getting through this period with only five points from five matches, and also being eliminated from the League Cup... Can you understand that everyone had high expectations for this season, and the current situation is unexpected?

To be honest, there's still a long season ahead. The season is long, and there will always be difficult periods throughout it; that's part of the journey. It's not a sprint; it's a long and grueling battle. Of course, I'm not dismissing it; we expected to get more points, so I'm not saying everything is fine.

But I understand the frustration, of course, because we want to play better and achieve more. However, I don't sense any despair or low morale at the club or within the team. The players didn't show frustration on the pitch today, and undoubtedly, this spirit is what will sustain us throughout the season.

Michael, Sesko wasn't available today. Is there any update? Is it still a shin issue? Looking back, from your perspective, do you have any concerns or questions about whether you should have signed a striker in the summer?

No, I don't think you should sign someone for every position just because there's an injury or a setback in a particular area. We're not certain about Ben's (Sesko's) situation; he felt pain after the last match. We're assessing him; he's clearly not ready to play today, so I don't have further information to share at this stage. We'll wait and see what happens next.

Is it the same long-term shin injury he had before?

Yes, he felt pain in his shin.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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