Michael Carrick’s programme notes ahead of Man City clash set key demand, ‘we need to…’

Michael Carrick is looking forward to his first match since becoming Manchester United’s head coach, issuing a clear demand for his players in his programme notes before rivals Man City travel to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are aiming to get back to winning ways when they host Man City in the Premier League on Saturday in the early kick-off.

It marks the first game since Michael Carrick was appointed United head coach on Tuesday, meaning he has had just a few days to prepare his team for the eagerly anticipated Manchester derby.

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Carrick succeeds Ruben Amorim in the hotseat, after Darren Fletcher stepped in for the two matches played last week, as United were eliminated from the FA Cup third round following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton.

United go into the derby winless in four games across all competitions. It will be a huge challenge for Carrick and his players because City are looking to claw their way back into a title race with league leaders Arsenal.

Michael Carrick wants Man Utd to raise standards on the pitch

All you need to do is look at the Premier League table to see that United are not winning enough matches.

There have been improvements from last season when it comes to league form, although United are not in Europe and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the early rounds.

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Carrick knows the only way he can achieve Champions League qualification is by winning football matches, so the newly appointed head coach wants the players to raise their standards on the pitch.

The 44-year-old also revealed in his pre-match programme notes that it has been a ‘fantastic week’ with a ‘positive’ environment built around the training sessions.

“It is a huge responsibility and an incredible privilege to be Manchester United’s head coach for the remainder of the season,” Carrick wrote in his programme notes, as shared by James Ducker on X.

“We still have a lot to fight for and I will give everything to help the team to reach our aims.

“It has been a fantastic week; the training ground environment is really positive. The players have applied themselves brilliantly and there has been a great atmosphere among all of the staff. I can already feel the group pulling together and moving in the right direction.

“There is a very clear focus for us moving forward. The standards at Manchester United must be extremely high; myself and the coaches are here to help the players to reach them. I have a great deal of confidence that they will.

“I am really pleased with the coaching team that we have put together. Steve Holland has incredible experience at the highest level. I have worked closely with Jonathan Woodgate at Middlesbrough; he is an excellent coach. Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson bring a massive skillset, brilliant knowledge of this group of players, and they know exactly how the club works.

“It’s a strong dynamic and we are excited to lead the team together.

“It’s fitting that we welcome Pep Guardiola and Manchester City this afternoon. This is such a significant fixture, presenting a fantastic opportunity to start something fresh. These are the games you live for at this club, whether you are a supporter, player or member of staff.

“Having had the privilege of representing you at Old Trafford and around the world, I know the impact that your support has on the team. Your passion will drive us forward.

“We need to be in this together, fighting for each other to get Manchester United to where we all want it to be.”

Is Gary Neville wrong to be ruling Michael Carrick out of the running for the permanent job already?

Or do you think this is a moment Neville is speaking sense?

Carrick stressed the importance of fighting for one another as well as United fans getting behind the team, which we’ve always done, regardless of the results.

Michael Carrick could replicate Ruben Amorim’s feat against Man City

Amorim is the only post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager to win his first Manchester derby in charge of United.

Ferguson was unbeaten in his first three derbies as United manager, but the Blues were a completely different team in the late 80s.

7 Managers, 1 Win…. Ruben Amorim broke the streak – can Michael Carrick make it two manager derby debut victories in a row?

Which Manchester derby was the most memorable for you, good or bad?

Carrick faces a City side managed by Pep Guardiola, who was responsible for preventing the former United midfielder from adding two more Champions League triumphs to his honours list.

Guardiola led Barcelona to European success in 2009 and 2011 after beating United in the final.

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