Manchester: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has dismissed suggestions that he could resign after his side slipped into the Premier League relegation zone despite recovering to draw 4 to 4 against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United twice overturned two goal deficits, with Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scoring in stoppage time to secure a point. However, the result was not enough to prevent the club from entering the bottom three after August for the first time in 40 years.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Carrick acknowledged that United had failed to win enough games but insisted he remained focused on improving results. "We haven't won enough games, but I expect to move forward and keep working on the things that we've been working on," he said.
Carrick pointed to elements of United's performance against Villa as evidence that the team could improve, while acknowledging that defensive mistakes continued to undermine their results. The 45 year old former United midfielder also rejected the possibility of stepping down voluntarily.
"That's not going to happen," he said when asked whether he would resign if doing so was considered beneficial for the club.
He added that he did not intend to seek discussions with the club's hierarchy about his future, maintaining that his immediate responsibility was to prepare the team to win matches.
Relegation concerns grow at Old Trafford
United's position in the relegation zone marks a setback for a club accustomed to competing for European qualification rather than Premier League survival.
Although the comeback against Aston Villa demonstrated the side's ability to respond under pressure, conceding four goals at home highlighted the defensive problems contributing to their league position.
The timing also places Carrick under scrutiny ahead of the international break, which gives United an opportunity to assess their performances and prepare for the next round of fixtures. Carrick, however, maintained that the season was far from decided.
"We're in November. I don't like the situation where we are, I don't like the results that we've had, but we can definitely do something about it," he said.
The manager confirmed that United would continue training during the international window, with limited time off for players remaining at the club. United's next fixture is against Liverpool on November 22, a match that could carry implications for both their league position and Carrick's future.
For now, Carrick has made clear that he intends to remain in charge, although United's ability to move away from the relegation places will depend on turning their performances into victories.
