Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has insisted that the club’s players remain united behind head coach Michael Carrick despite growing pressure following a disappointing run of results.
The Belgian goalkeeper made the comments after United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, which intensified scrutiny of Carrick and exposed tensions surrounding the team’s performances and tactical approach.
Captain Bruno Fernandes had questioned the coaching staff’s decision not to press opponents more aggressively after the defeat, while defender Lisandro Martinez had previously raised concerns about the club’s leadership and recruitment.
However, Lammens has moved to reassure supporters that the disagreements do not mean the dressing room has turned against its manager.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, the goalkeeper said the players, coaching staff and club leadership were working together to improve the situation.
Lammens Dismisses Suggestions of a Dressing-Room Split
Lammens acknowledged that frustration can lead players to make comments after disappointing performances, particularly when results fail to meet expectations.
He explained that the squad understands the need to improve and remains committed to working collectively rather than allowing disagreements to divide the team.
The goalkeeper also stressed that players must demonstrate their unity through their performances on the pitch, where supporters will ultimately judge whether the team has responded to criticism.
His comments come at a difficult time for Carrick, whose position has attracted increasing attention following United’s struggles in domestic and European competitions.
The manager has also called for greater humility, intensity and commitment from his players as he attempts to address the team’s shortcomings.
Bruno Fernandes’ Comments Add to Carrick’s Pressure
Fernandes attracted attention after questioning United’s tactical approach against Como.
The Portugal international explained that the coaching staff had opted against pressing opponents man-to-man, arguing that allowing the opposition too much possession could help them build confidence.
Fernandes also suggested that United sometimes needed to take greater risks by pressing higher up the pitch and making opponents uncomfortable.
His remarks sparked debate about whether the team’s difficulties stemmed from tactical decisions, individual performances or a combination of both.
Carrick has acknowledged that United fell short in several important areas against Como, including aggression, intensity and work rate.
Lammens, however, has urged the squad to focus on finding solutions together rather than allowing the criticism surrounding individual comments to overshadow the work required to improve results.
Man Utd Must Rediscover Last Season’s Fighting Spirit
Lammens believes United need to recover some of the determination and collective defensive effort that helped the team achieve better results last season.
He explained that Carrick’s side had attempted to develop its playing style during pre-season, particularly in possession, but suggested that improvements with the ball must not come at the expense of defensive intensity.
According to the goalkeeper, United need to strike a balance between building attacks patiently and fighting collectively when they lose possession.
He also pointed to the importance of remaining organised early in matches, warning that conceding quickly can disrupt a team's game plan and force it to chase the result.
United have struggled with early setbacks this season, including against Como and Atletico Madrid. Lammens said preventing such goals must become a priority if the team is to regain consistency.
The goalkeeper added that the players were working hard to identify solutions, although he acknowledged that turning poor performances around would require a collective response.
Carrick Faces Important Test Against Bournemouth
United’s next challenge is a Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 25.
The match comes amid increased scrutiny of Carrick following United’s poor form and the public debate surrounding comments from senior players.
According to Sky Sports, United entered the weekend on a seven-match winless run across all competitions, making the Bournemouth fixture an important opportunity to respond.
Lammens believes a strong performance could help change the mood around the club, but the goalkeeper recognises that the team must show its determination on the pitch rather than rely on public assurances.
United will need greater defensive concentration, improved intensity and a more consistent collective performance if they are to turn their season around.
For Carrick, the immediate priority is to restore confidence and ensure that the disagreements of recent days do not distract the squad from its objectives.
Lammens’ message is clear: Manchester United must work together, improve their performances and demonstrate their unity through results.