Michael Carrick has revealed his half-time message to Manchester United was to remain positive after the club’s comeback win against Roma.
United fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford, courtesy of goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha (2). Carrick’s side had not won in nine games across all competitions and the atmosphere at Old Trafford was deflated as the visitors ran into an early two-goal lead.
However, a stirring second-half fightback earned United a much-needed win, and Carrick was asked what his message to the players was at the interval.
“I felt we were coming into the game. I thought we were getting around their box, and it didn’t feel that way to the players because they were probably carrying too much frustration and disappointment,” he said.
“I knew we were doing some good things in the game against a really good team. Playing against a team that goes man-for-man as much as they do, you probably get more failure than success. It’s about still being positive and the boys responded so well in the second half.”
Carrick pleased with Manchester United ‘character’ after Roma win
United next face Aston Villa at home before the international break, and Carrick hopes his team can build on the Roma win and head into the break with confidence.
“I think we’ve shown a lot of character as a group to weather what we’ve had to. You find out a lot about each other. The players will find out things about me and I certainly do about them, their character, what it means to them and what they’re prepared to put in.
“Tonight was right at that moment. It depends what happens next. We’ve got to make the most of it and move forward, but I’m feeling a lot better about things tonight.”
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