At 23:30 CEST on 20 September, Manchester United will face Fulham away in the fifth round of the Premier League. Ahead of the match, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick held a press conference. This article covers the second part of that press conference.

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【Carrick: There are always moments when you don't get what you want, the key is how you move past it】

You just spoke about confidence and belief at a practical level. How do you and your coaching staff specifically maintain that belief? Do you have meetings with the players, or do you show them videos of better times in the past? How exactly do you do it?

We need to put everything in perspective. This is not a catastrophe, nor is it the end of the world. We're not in a nightmare streak of heavy defeats.We've lost two games recently, but in all the matches we've played, we've started well and competed throughout. In fact, we've often been the better side early on. So it's not as though we're constantly struggling.

In these matches, we've done many excellent things that put us in very strong positions. So confidence actually comes from the excellent things we've done. Although these positive points get somewhat overshadowed by the emotions of the outside world, we ourselves won't overlook them.

Michael, regarding the personnel situation for this weekend's match, do you expect Luke Shaw to return? Also, is there a chance Carlos Baleba will make his debut?

Both have a chance to return. It's not 100% confirmed yet, but there is hope.

What's the current situation with Luke Shaw? Has his absence been quite long? It initially seemed like a minor short-term injury...

Yes, it is indeed a very short-term injury. Honestly, we're working to get him back for this match, so we'll need to assess his condition over the weekend before making a decision.

Michael, you just mentioned that we clearly live in a world of instant reactions and judgements, which is true. But club owners today also live in this fast-paced world, and we often see managers changed regularly. Looking at the situation and recent history here: after the new ownership took over day-to-day operations, Erik ten Hag lasted only 20 months, and Ruben Amorim managed for only 14 months – which clearly isn't very long. Ultimately, results determine everything, so is the reality that while pursuing a long-term vision, you also face enormous pressure for short-term results?

Yes, but I think judgement goes far beyond the results of one or two games.First, setting aside all external factors, what matters most is: I understand this club, I understand this role, I know what the expectations are here – to play a certain standard of football, show a certain level of competitiveness, and achieve success on the pitch. I know all of this very well.As for uncertainty about the future, the ownership structure, and how long I can stay in this job – it would be foolish to think about "how long I can last" from my current position. That's not on my radar at all.

I'm very clear about what we need to achieve as a club and where we should be. I'm clear about the owner's expectations and the fans' expectations – in fact, the fans' expectations are just as important, if not more important to me. I know what they want to see.

I understand all of this. We haven't got the desired results in two or three games, and two or three games is too many for me because I hate losing. But that doesn't mean the world has collapsed.In some people's minds, the world may have collapsed, but it absolutely shouldn't for us. We have to play, we have to win, and we have plenty of matches to prepare for. That's exactly what we're doing now.

However, you're always very consistent. Every time there's a poor result, you always take responsibility. You never blame the players, and you never make public excuses. Given that you always do this, do you think it might draw more criticism and pressure onto your own shoulders?

It's my job, that's why I'm here. It's my responsibility, and I can fully accept it.It's not about blame, not at all. Everyone tries to find reasons, point out problems, look for someone or something to blame. Sometimes people seem obsessed with finding a scapegoat. Blame me? No problem at all. I'll accept whatever responsibility comes my way.

But the key is never to blame anyone. For us, the point is to find solutions and improve. This applies to the whole club – all the players, coaching staff, ownership, and fans. We're one unified unit. You can direct your attention elsewhere, you can worry about all sorts of things, but it completely depends on where you actually focus.I'm very happy to take responsibility. No problem with that at all. It doesn't bother me. I'm very clear about what we want to achieve, and we hope to achieve it as quickly as possible.

Michael, you mentioned on Wednesday that a very careful and sensitive approach is needed for J.J. Gabriel. I'd like to know if there's any latest update on finalizing his future at the club? How confident are you that the club can successfully resolve his situation?

Yes, I think I can only repeat what I said the other day. J.J. is still a very young player, and I think the most important thing is that we absolutely cannot discuss his situation publicly.Given the attention, scrutiny, and pressure he's currently facing, we must remain careful, sensible, and protect him and prioritize his wellbeing above all else, whatever happens. His situation will naturally develop from there. Ensuring he's healthy and in good condition is what matters most right now.

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