Glory-Glory Man United

"We should have scored seven. We were very dangerous for 90 minutes."

Jose Mourinho was pleased with United's attacking intent this evening: http://manutd.co/BMQ

Mourinho reacts to United's win at Watford - Official Manchester United Website Find out what Jose Mourinho had to say after his Manchester United side beat Watford 4-2 in the Premier League at Vicarage Road on Tuesday 28 November 2017.

FT: Watford 2 United 4. A hugely entertaining game ends with three points for the Reds, thanks to goals from Young (2), Martial and Lingard!

Manchester United goalscorers 2014/15

14 WAYNE ROONEY
10 ROBIN VAN PERSIE
10 JUAN MATA
8 ANDER HERRERA
7 MAROUANE FELLAINI
4 CHRIS SMALLING
4 ANGEL DI MARIA
4 RADAMEL FALCAO
2 ASHLEY YOUNG
2 OWN GOAL
2 JAMES WILSON
2 DALEY BLIND
1 MARCOS ROJO
1 MICHAEL CARRICK

Park to play in United v Bayern Legends match

Ji-sung Park is the latest name to be added to the Manchester United squad for the Legends match against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on 14 June.

The Korean fans’ favourite made over 200 appearances for the Reds between 2005 and 2012, winning 13 major trophies, and became the first Asian to play in a Champions League final in 2009.

Legendary captain Bryan Robson will lead the United side, which also features Park’s former Reds team-mates Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes, as well as Jaap Stam, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Louis Saha. However, Owen Hargreaves, who was due to line up for both of his old teams, will no longer be taking part in the game.

Another of Park’s ex-colleagues from his days with PSV Eindhoven, Mark van Bommel, is in the Bayern All-Stars squad, and fans can also look forward to seeing the likes of Giovane Elber and Dietmar Hamann, led by manager Paul Breitner.

"I never expected to play again at Old Trafford but sometimes good things happen," Park told ManUtd.com. "It’ll be an honour to come back.

"When I went back to PSV, I met Edwin and van Bommel, which was nice. But I’ve not seen Louis for a long time, since he left United, so I’m looking forward to catching up with him and the other guys again.

"It’ll be great to play against Bayern Munich – they’re a big club who are well known around the world. It’ll be an exciting game for me and the fans, and it’s all for a great cause."
The first leg of the charity game, last August, ended in a 3-3 draw in Munich, so there is all to play for in the return match, which kicks off at 14:30 BST. Tickets are priced from £20 for adults and from £5 for under 16s, with the day including plenty of pre-match entertainment, including live music from headline act Union J and 2014 X Factor winner Ben Haenow. Hospitality packages are also available from £99.

All proceeds go to Manchester United Foundation. Call 0161 826 6920 or buy online.

Squads (subject to change):

Manchester United Legends: Edwin van der Sar, Raimond van der Gouw; Ronny Johnsen, Jaap Stam, Phil Neville, Denis Irwin, Dion Dublin, Clayton Blackmore, Lee Martin; Bryan Robson, Quinton Fortune, Jesper Blomqvist, Paul Scholes, Russell Beardsmore, Ben Thornley, Ji-sung Park; Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Louis Saha, Andy Ritchie.

Bayern Munich All-Stars: Hans-Jorg Butt, Walter Junghans; Markus Babbel, Hans Pflugler, Oliver Kreuzer, Matthias Zimmermann, Daniel van Buyten, Michael Tarnat, Robert Kovac; Niko Kovac, Mark van Bommel, Marcel Witeczek, Paul Breitner, Dietmar Hamann, Maurizio Gaudino; Paulo Sergio, Roy Makaay, Giovane Elber, Michael Rummenigge, Alexander Zickler.

ROONEY: I WANT TO BE A WINNING UNITED CAPTAIN

Wayne Rooney reflects on his first season as Manchester United skipper, discusses his relationship with Louis van Gaal and outlines his aims to lift silverware while wearing the armband...

What was your initial reaction to the appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager and how you have found working with him this season?
It was exciting really, to have the chance to work under him. The record he’s got shows that he is a top manager and since he’s come in he’s been fantastic. He had faith in me and made me captain. Seeing the way he works and his different style of management, it’s clear why he’s been successful.

Were the arrival of so many new faces and injuries to key players both reasons for the team's slow start to the campaign?
The manager came in with new ideas, a new way to play, new training methods and we did find that difficult at first. The manager told us before we started that we were going to find it difficult and it just took a little time to transfer our work on the training pitch to the games. There were also a lot of new players who came in during the summer and it can be difficult for them to bed into a new league and a new team. It was always going to take a while for them to settle in. The injuries didn't help, but I still think we should have done better.

How would you assess your own performances this season?
I think my form’s been good. I’ve played in a few different positions and scored a few goals, but I could probably have scored more. Overall I’m happy with my first season as captain, glad that we’re back in the Champions League and I’m looking forward to trying to help the team be successful next season.

How much have you enjoyed the responsibility of being captain and what does it mean to you?
It was a huge honour to be given the captaincy, it was something I really wanted to do and hopefully I can be successful. There was no silverware for us this season, but it was really important that we got back in the Champions League, which we managed to do. Next season the focus will be on winning some silverware and I hope I can lead the team to doing that.

How pleased are you to have finished in the top four?
Top four was a must, really. We had to get ourselves back into the Champions League and we’ve managed to do that. Hopefully that will provide a springboard for us to go and fight for silverware next year.

What are your aims and ambitions for next season?
We haven’t discussed them yet. For now, we'll look forward to a good pre-season when I’m sure the manager will lay out what he wants from us. I think we have to try and win whatever competition that we’re in. That’s what we always try to do. It’s important that we push on and try to win whatever we're involved in.

Wayne Rooney was interviewed for the official Manchester United Season Review 2014/15 DVD, which will be released on 18 June and is available to pre-order now from United Direct.

Opinion: United are built for the biggest games

For some Manchester United fans, the Barclays Premier League is the be all and end all when it comes to looking at tables. And of course, despite Sunday's excellent win at Anfield, the Reds are still in fourth position behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, the head-to-head rankings between the top five clubs, including Liverpool, makes for satisfying reading with Louis van Gaal's men sitting at the summit despite playing fewer games than City and the Merseysiders.

I have had a lingering suspicion that van Gaal's footballing philosophy was designed with a longer-term view in mind. A tactical plan that would win matches in the Champions League and ensure the team can compete on the grandest of occasions.

Of course, this has taken time to perfect - as the manager warned it would from the outset - and some frustrating draws on the road were arguably a result of controlling games rather than going for the kill in time-honoured fashion.

Yet, in the biggest games this term, United have done remarkably well. A single loss came in the derby at the Etihad Stadium when Chris Smalling's dismissal left the visitors down to 10 men but, even so, a spell of pressure was unlucky not to yield an equaliser.

Robin van Persie might have left it late to ram in a leveller against Chelsea but van Gaal's men looked the better side for long periods against an outfit currently edging closer to champions-elect status. A superb double has, of course, been achieved over Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, who were unbeaten in the period of 13 league games in between the two meetings, and Arsenal suffered their only home loss of the domestic campaign to the Reds in November.

Tough obstacles are still to come, which might render such conclusions premature. A journey to Chelsea often looks daunting but, right now, that would be the wrong description. Arsenal will be Old Trafford's final visitors this season, having already emerged victorious at the same venue in the FA Cup. Furthermore, eight days after Aston Villa come to town, there is the small matter of another Manchester derby on 12 April.

This is no time for crowing but the signs look extremely positive that United are fully prepared and ready for any big fixture. The fact that van Gaal's charges would be three points clear of Arsenal at the top of another table - one that's based only on the last 20 league games - and there is even more cause for optimism. Heading into an international break, there is confidence around the club and a belief that we are fully capable of beating any rival in the division.

Reece James heads to Huddersfield on loan

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Huddersfield Town to allow defender Reece James to head to the Championship club on an emergency loan until the end of the season.

The versatile left-back, who extended his contract with the Reds last month, has been a regular for Warren Joyce's Under-21s since the turn of the year and will now gain further experience at the John Smith's Stadium.

He has already undertaken one loan spell this season, at Rotherham United where he made eight starts. James had previously been on the bench for the Reds' first team for the opening three Barclays Premier League games of the season.

The 21-year-old memorably scored twice against LA Galaxy during Louis van Gaal's first match in charge on last summer's tour; he then made his competitive debut in the Capital One Cup against Milton Keynes Dons.

Michael Carrick hails 'massive win' at Anfield

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick was delighted to come away from Anfield with three points on Sunday and what the no.16 has described as a "massive win" in the Barclays Premier League.

Fresh from signing a one-year contract extension this week, Carrick again highlighted his value to the Reds' cause with an assured display in the United engine room, helping Louis van Gaal’s men to a memorable 2-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool.

“This is the place to win, it’s a massive game,” Carrick told MUTV. “It doesn’t matter where we are in the league, or where they are, it is always special but it had that extra bit of importance. They were chasing us and right on us so it was a massive win.

“The first half performance was as good as we’ve played here. They always press and make it a high-tempo match, but I thought we got the ball down, played some terrific football and caused them a lot of problems. We were deservedly ahead at half-time.”

Carrick was one of many top performers on a day when van Gaal’s charges needed to be at the maximum level, however it was goalscoring hero Juan Mata who will take the headlines following his inspired brace and the Reds’ vice-captain was keen to add his praise to the many plaudits that came the Spaniard’s way after the match.

“I thought the second goal was a sensational finish,” the midfielder declared. “The first one was also good, mind you, a good touch and finish on his right foot, but the second was pretty special. I’m sure he’ll remember that and it’ll get played a few times.”

Smalling enjoys work with Valdes and Di Maria

Chris Smalling says the experiences, successes and overall qualities of former La Liga stars Victor Valdes and Angel Di Maria have made them even more exciting players to work with at Manchester United.

Valdes, who signed for the Reds earlier this month, served Barcelona for a trophy-laden 12-year period in which he won 21 major honours, including the Champions League on three separate occasions.

Meanwhile Di Maria has become one of the world’s most feared attackers, aiding Real Madrid to ‘La Decima’ – the club’s tenth European title – and has been named in this year’s FIFPro World XI for that and his contribution towards Argentina reaching the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.

Despite having only worked with United’s new goalkeeper for a short period of time, Smalling has been impressed not only by tales of Valdes’ past, but also about what the Spaniard currently brings to the table.

The centre-back told MUTV: "He (Valdes) is someone that we all look up to through what he’s achieved already in his career but you can see that he’s nowhere near done yet.

"On the training field he’s so sharp and you can see that he’s very agile. He’s such a great addition and is a name that really belongs here at Manchester United.

“We’ve heard a few stories from him and quite a few people here have asked him questions. Barcelona is another great club and you want to get some insight of what happens abroad as well.”

Speaking as a player and as a football fan, Smalling’s delight at working alongside a player as talented and as highly regarded as Di Maria was evident when he was quizzed on the tricky Argentinian.

“I imagine Angel is a player that any fan would want in their team and any player in the world would want to play with,” the defender enthused.

“We were lucky enough to be able to get him. I remember watching his matches for Real Madrid last season – he was up and down the pitch, creating so many goals. He is a special player.”

Van Gaal and Wilson praise Falcao

Louis van Gaal has praised Radamel Falcao following his industrious performance in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers and declared the Colombian striker “did well” at Loftus Road.

Falcao was recalled to the starting XI after missing the Southampton defeat and showed good energy up front alongside Angel Di Maria. Although goalkeeper Rob Green prevented him from converting two excellent chances, with a deft Steven Caulker touch on James Wilson' cross denying another scoring opportunity, van Gaal was pleased with his display.

“It is not so important what I find, I think, because he wants to score goals,” the Dutchman explained in his post-match press conference in West London. “For me, I have to judge how he has played and scoring goals is an important aspect of a striker, I know.

“But for me it is also important if he is an attacking point and that he can play further with a striker; that we are coming in the third or fourth phase of our attack and he did it well.”

Meanwhile, match-winner Wilson has explained why he is benefiting from playing alongside Falcao at United and, with great humility, admitted his team-mate might have scored if his passing was slightly improved on Saturday.

“I can learn a lot from him in training,” Wilson told MUTV after the match. “It was maybe not his day today, but maybe a few of my crosses could have set him up a bit better. But yeah, it’s great to play alongside him and learn off him, it’s great for me.”

Van Gaal: Our risks paid off

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes second-half tactical changes, that saw the Reds revert to a four-man defence, were key to ensuring an important win against QPR in the capital.

A scrappy first half saw few chances for the visitors with United struggling to find a rhythm against Harry Redknapp's stubborn outfit. The manager felt his team's play needed an injection of pace and introduced James Wilson to the fray, in addition to the earlier arrival of Marouane Fellaini.

"I think pace is always important, which is why we try to play with Angel Di Maria as a striker," van Gaal told MUTV. "When I changed the shape, I wanted speed or pace also in the attacking line, that’s why I changed in that way. It’s a change in attack that brings lot of risk, but we have won 2-0 and I think it was deserved."

At the other end of the field, the boss was also pleased to see a shut-out at the back, with the likes of Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia making an impression.

"The defensive organisation has been good from the beginning," the Dutchman added. "We have only one match against Leicester City that was five goals and, because of that, we had a bad average against us, but I think we have a very good defensive organisation so that is not a problem."

Fellaini explains goal celebration against QPR

After helping Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, Marouane Fellaini explained why he ran straight to substitute Adnan Januzaj after opening the scoring at Loftus Road.

Having come on as a substitute in the second half, the Belgian midfielder teed himself up from Antonio Valencia's clever cut-back before firing home to break the deadlock, and then he raced off towards the bench to embrace his compatriot.

The Belgian took to his Instagram account – – to share the above image and his delight at the success: “Celebration with my bro…Great win keep it going guys .11”.

Speaking to MUTV after the win at Loftus Road, Fellaini said of his compatriot: "He hasn't played a lot this season, so I like to look after him." On the goal itself, which Rob Green tried in vain to prevent, Fellaini felt the timing of it was vital. "It was a good pass, there was good control and a good finish. It was important to score early in the second half because we knew in the end it’d be difficult, which it was. It was a physical game, with a lot of challenges. We had to win the second balls. It was difficult, but we stayed patient. We knew we would score, and we did.”

In aiding the Reds to their first league win of the year, Fellaini believed it proved to be significant as van Gaal’s men look to consolidate their place within the Premier League top four spots.

“It was important to win because we have to keep going,” he stressed. “We have to win every game to stay in the top four. Every team wants to play in the Champions League, so we have to keep going in a lot of games.”

Carrick enjoying Reds responsibility

Sir Alex Ferguson called him “the best central midfielder in English football” recently and Michael Carrick says he is enjoying his role as one of the Manchester United squad’s elder statesmen and the responsibilities that come with that.

Alongside Darren Fletcher, Carrick has been asked by his manager to assist captain Wayne Rooney with matters on and off the pitch involving the squad. It’s a duty Carrick is relishing, even though he insists team achievements will always come before personal accolades.

“I had a chat to the manager about it [being named vice-captain] and it’s great for me for him to think like that,” Carrick told ManUtd.com and MUTV. “It’s probably a natural thing with me being one of the older players and more experienced, that’s the natural step – it’s great. I managed to be captain when Wayne missed a game [Stoke in December], which was nice, but it’s not the be all and end all of everything. It’s achieving things with the team that means more to me, but it’s nice to be recognised.”

The captain and vice-captain have found themselves in particularly close proximity on the pitch of late, with Rooney taking up a deeper role in midfield. Carrick has not been surprised by Rooney’s impressive displays in the position, but says comparisons with fellow attacking midfielder Paul Scholes, who Carrick played alongside for many years, are unfair.

“Wayne has just got quality about him, he’s just a good footballer with his passing, knowledge of the game, his creation of chances and scoring goals," Carrick declared. "He’s an all-round good player, better than good obviously, he’s got a lot of skills that most players don’t have.

“You can compare them in a way but it’s such an easy thing to say. Both players are their own players in their own right and have their own qualities. Scholesy was such a fantastic goalscoring midfielder. With Wayne being the natural goalscorer he is and playing in midfield there is a similarity, but I don’t think you can compare them as they’re so different.”

1. DAVID DE GEA

Birthdate: 07 Nov 1990
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances 144
Goals Scored 0
Joined United: 01 Jul 2011
United Debut: 7 Aug 2011 v Man City (N)
International: Spain

David De Gea is a product of Atletico Madrid’s academy. Tall, athletic and confident with the ball, he progressed quickly through the youth ranks and spent his first professional season, 2008/09, with the club’s reserves. A first-team debut arrived early in the following term via a substitute appearance against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on 30 September 2009 - and thereafter he never looked back.

De Gea capped his maiden campaign in Atletico Madrid's first team by playing a major role in winning the UEFA Europa League - the club's first major European trophy in almost 50 years.

His already burgeoning reputation was further enhanced during his second full season in La Liga and rumours of United's interest, which had first surfaced in January 2010, were more widely circulated when the Reds' then goalkeeping coach Eric Steele was seen scouting the youngster.

By the end of the 2010/11 season, David was widely touted by several media outlets as the primary choice to replace the retiring Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford, although talks were put on hold whilst he helped Spain win UEFA’s Under-21 European Championship in Denmark. The transfer wascompleted after the tournament, on 29 June, and De Gea subsequently linked up with his new team-mates on the pre-season tour of North America.

Despite his tender years, De Gea enjoyed a largely successful first campaign in Manchester. And having endured a baptism of fire from the media, who unfairly scrutinised his every move, he adapted well to the English game.

Unfortunately, that first season ended with title heartbreak on the final day; an experience which stood him in good stead during the 2012/13 campaign when, along with his team-mates, the Barclays Premier League title was reclaimed at a canter.

De Gea was a standout figure throughout his second season, earning a place in the prestigious PFA Team of the Year whilst finishing third in the fans' voting or the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

After helping Spain retain their European Under-21 crown, De Gea returned to Old Trafford for what would turn out to be a tough 2013/14 campaign for the Reds, but one in which he maintained a high level of personal performance.
He made his 100th club appearance against Tottenham Hotspur and kept 20 clean sheets in all competitions, and his consistent displays were recognised as he was named both Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year. As if that wasn't enough, the United no.1 was chosen in his country's 2014 World Cup squad and made his senior international debut in a pre-tournament friendly against El Salvador, coming on as a substitute for Iker Casillas for the final few minutes of Spain's 2-0 win.

Although a training injury prevented De Gea from featuring in Spain's short-lived World Cup campaign, the prospect of him playing in a future tournament seems a strong one - especially if he enjoys further success with United under new manager Louis van Gaal and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek.

De Gea striving for more

David De Gea reflects on the season so far and discusses and his own impressive form...

We showed we can compete with Chelsea and City in the recent matches against them – what do we need to do to make that extra step to get back alongside them in the table?
Manchester United is a huge club and will always be there or thereabouts. In terms of the league table and the position we’re in we are not far away. All we can do is work hard and try to keep improving and it’s important that we completely concentrate on ourselves and not look too much at others.

There have been plenty of encouraging signs in our play but we’ve not been able to get the consistency we’d like – why is that?
We would never use excuses but it’s always going to be a big setback when we have injuries and some sendings-off as well. It makes everyone’s work that bit more difficult. In terms of maintaining a solid level of performance we need to have the consistency of players in the squad so hopefully everyone will be fit very soon. That will help us continue to improve.

From your position on the field have you been able to see the team evolving in recent weeks?
Yes, having an overview of the whole pitch makes it easy for me to see that we are more compact and are making it very difficult for other teams to create opportunities to score. I feel we have some of the best strikers in the world playing for us – we just need to take our chances and reap the rewards of the opportunities we’re creating. Goals win games and winning games gets us points and we need to keep picking up more.
Is there a specific message or directive the manager has been trying to drill home to the players in recent weeks?
He is just instilling a lot of confidence into all the players, and because he is putting his confidence into us we need to make sure we do our job for him and keep getting the victories we need. We must do that week in, week out.

The City game was another example of having to cope with defensive problems before and during the game – can you believe the bad luck we’ve had with injuries in particular?
I must say I have never experienced this at any of my past clubs. We’ve had so much bad luck and it’s made it difficult to maintain the high level of consistency and performance that we need with so many injuries. Hopefully we can get the injured players back as soon as possible.

As a goalkeeper how do you deal with an ever-changing back four?
It obviously makes things very difficult but that’s football and it’s my job to be able to adapt to different situations. As a goalkeeper it’s important to form a good understanding with your back four and become familiar with each other’s positions on the pitch. It’s difficult when the players aren’t there but you have to adapt and concentrate on your job. The experience has definitely helped me improve.

You’ve said you’re playing the best football of your career – how do you go about maintaining that form?
It’s important for me to train hard and try to improve in every session so I can maintain the same level of fitness and concentration. That’s my aim.
Has your progress with the Spanish national team and the World Cup experience been a big factor in the way you have grown?
Yes, it gives you a lot of confidence when you receive a call-up to your national team and you’re in the starting XI. I certainly feel it has helped me improve my concentration and it makes you feel very good in your position at your club when you can represent your country.

Which game have you been most pleased with this season from a personal point of view?
I’d have to say the Everton match. It was probably my personal best performance but the biggest thing for me was helping the team achieve a big three points.

What’s the biggest improvement you’ve made in your game in the last 12 months?
I’d say my all-round performance has improved, but especially my concentration and being more tactically aware. I’ve really focused on my work in training to make sure I can produce the performances that are needed on the pitch. As a Manchester United player, you never stop learning and improving and you always have to strive to keep doing better

Van Gaal says his players gave everything

United manager Louis van Gaal praised his players for their determination and effort in Sunday's Manchester derby, but admits the match showed there is still room for improvement.

The Reds, who went down to ten men just before half-time when Chris Smalling was sent off, narrowly lost out in the 168th derby meeting, with Sergio Aguero's 63rd-minute striker proving the difference.

"I said to the boys their willpower and labour were unbelievable and they can be very proud," said van Gaal.

"The fans know the boys are willing to give everything for the shirt of the club. But at the end of the game, we have zero points. In this sport, it is always the goals that count.

"We were so close in spite of playing with ten men. We had more chances [with ten men] than in the first half. We are close but not close enough.

"We have 13 points out of 10 matches and Chelsea have a lot more, as do Manchester City so we have a problem. We need to improve and prove that we are not close but better. We will improve, that I promise."

On Smalling's dismissal, following an obstruction of Joe Hart and a late tackle on James Milner, van Gaal added: "I didn’t see the first yellow, but as a player if you know you have a yellow card you have to deal with that problem. I don't think he dealt with it very smartly because then we have 11 against 10 and that's the most difficult way you can play for 45 minutes."

United's frustration was compounded by an apparently serious injury to Marcos Rojo early in the second period. The Argentinian was stretchered off and will join fellow injured defenders Rafael, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones on the sidelines.

"His shoulder is out," confirmed van Gaal. "We don't know how long that will take. I have to wait until Monday. But he shall not play against Crystal Palace, I don't think.

"We have very good players so I don't cry for the injuries. It's a pity, but it's not an excuse. When [Michael] Carrick and Paddy [McNair] came in we did fantastic. We can do it, but we have to score and today we didn’t score that's why we don’t have one point or three."

Carrick: We're disappointed, not disheartened

Michael Carrick insists his Manchester United team-mates are “disappointed but not disheartened” after losing 1-0 to local rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

The Reds played most of the derby with 10 men after Chris Smalling was sent off for a second bookable offence, which prompted Carrick to make his first appearance of the season – and his maiden game under Louis van Gaal - as an emergency centre-back.

A second-half injury to Marcos Rojo then led to Paddy McNair also coming on in defence as United tried to overcome City with one less player. While Sergio Aguero managed to score the game’s winning goal, the Reds showed plenty of fighting spirit in testing circumstances.

United now have 13 points from 10 Barclays Premier League matches and while he would like more, Carrick feels the squad is ultimately moving in the right direction.

“It was disappointing really,” he told Sky Sports. “We had to play with 10 men but the longer the game went on, we felt we could get a chance to nick one and we had a couple of opportunities where we felt it might have fallen for us. So in the end, even though we had 10 men for such a long time, we are disappointed to come away with nothing.

“It could have been a draw. They had opportunities at times, which you would probably expect with us being a man down. We feel that maybe we’ve left a goal out there and we are disappointed but not disheartened.
“I know the points tally is very disappointing because it is nowhere near good enough for us, but at the same time, there are signs there that things can come good and they will do.”

Asked if Smalling had said anything about his dismissal in the changing room, Carrick explained that his team-mate was understandably frustrated. “It was half-time and we were focusing on what we were going to do in the second half. He is obviously disappointed to be sent off in a game like that, but it happens and you have to deal with it.

“I thought we dealt with it okay actually, with me playing at centre-half,” continued Michael. “It was a bit of a test in the second half but we dealt with it okay. As I said, the longer it went on, we thought we might have nicked it."

On a personal level, Carrick was pleased to make his comeback from injury - even if the result was not as satisfactory. “It was my first game back in six months, since the end of last season, so it was a bit of test for me to come on at centre-half. I enjoyed it, it was nice to be back and I have certainly missed it, being out for so long. We will see who is fit and who we can patch up for next week.”