Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has dismissed speculation about his future, describing questions over his position as “ridiculous” following the club’s difficult start to the season.
United have collected four points from their opening four Premier League matches and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 3-2 defeat by Brighton at Old Trafford.
The recent results have led to increased scrutiny of Carrick, but the 45-year-old said his future is not something he is currently considering.
“In terms of the future and ownership and how long I've got, it's totally nothing. Thinking about it is ridiculous in the position I'm in. It's just not on the radar,” Carrick told reporters.
Carrick said his attention is instead focused on improving United’s performances and preparing for the matches ahead. He acknowledged responsibility for the team’s results but said the priority was finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
“It's my responsibility and I'm fine with that,” Carrick said. “It's not a blame game. Blame me, no problem, but it's not about blaming people. It's about finding solutions.”
The former United midfielder also pointed to fine margins in recent matches. United lost to Manchester City last weekend and then suffered the late collapse against Brighton, while an earlier Premier League match against Everton also slipped away after Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored from long range.
Carrick said he expected the team to encounter a difficult period at some stage after the strong run that secured Champions League qualification last season. He said United must work through the setback and improve rather than allow the recent results to define the campaign.
United's next challenge comes against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, with Carrick looking for a response from his players after the midweek cup disappointment.
Luke Shaw could return from injury, while Carlos Baleba is also in contention to make his first appearance since joining United from Brighton.
Carrick's immediate focus, therefore, remains on results and performance rather than speculation about his position as United prepare for their next league fixture.