Michael Carrick is expecting a ‘tough game’ when Manchester United travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
All of the eyes at Manchester United are on Champions League qualification. It has become a stronger possibility since Michael Carrick was appointed head coach in January, with the Red Devils currently third in the Premier League with a three-point gap over Aston Villa.
United beat Villa 3-1 last time out, so they will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to Bournemouth on Friday night. It will be a difficult task because the Cherries are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, including four consecutive draws.
Carrick knows that every win helps him make a stronger case to become United’s head coach beyond this season. That’s why United are taking it each game at a time on their quest to secure a spot in the Champions League.
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Michael Carrick press duties
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Michael Carrick warns Man Utd players about Bournemouth test
Carrick won’t want his players to underestimate Bournemouth on Friday night.
There’s a reason they’ve gone 10 games unbeaten since losing at Arsenal at the beginning of January.
Moreover, United have not beaten Bournemouth away in the league since 2023, when Casemiro scored the winner in a 1-0 victory. That means it has been almost three years since United won away at Bournemouth.
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Records like that need to change, so that will be United’s objective before the March international break kicks off.
When asked about Bournemouth ahead of the game, Carrick spoke highly of Andoni Iraiola’s side, telling reporters: “It’s a tough game, a tough place to go. They’re on a really good run of form, but it’s a difficult game.
“Going there, we’ve had a good run, the boys are in good shape, but always a difficult game. We know that. Really well-coached team and good energy, so we know we’ll be in for a game.”
A win for United would strengthen the team’s hold on third place.
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Michael Carrick shares feelings on Man Utd’s away form
United didn’t have a good record away from home during the first half of the season, but it has improved significantly under Carrick – much like everything else.
In the last away game, United lost 2-1 against Newcastle, but that was the first defeat experienced under Carrick.
Carrick is focused on United’s form in general, rather than looking at the form at home and away.
“It’s just form and results, whether it’s home or away, it’s something we look at too much, it’s the next game.
“We’ve had some good results at home, that doesn’t mean that is fixed and we can move on to something else.
“It’s been nice to win at home and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and for the supporters to feel that.
“But we’re not having a major difference in preparation or mindset. We’re not really separating one game from the next.”
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