Manchester United’s struggles continued at Old Trafford on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur, and former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit claimed the players have lost faith in caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Petit made the remarks on talkSPORT after the game, pointing to the players’ body language as evidence they are no longer backing Carrick.
United took the lead in the 73rd minute through Bryan Mbeumo, but the situation quickly worsened for Spurs when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw. Despite being a man up, Manchester United failed to capitalise. Dominic Solanke headed in a late equaliser during stoppage time, leaving the Red Devils with just six points from six games and in 12th place in the Premier League.
Carrick acknowledged after the match that the results and performances had been disappointing and called on his squad to reverse the current run. The Peoples Person reported that the club’s hierarchy still supports Carrick for now, with no immediate plans to replace him, although pressure will increase if the poor form continues.
Petit, however, suggested on talkSPORT that the players have already checked out mentally. “I think they don’t care anymore about the manager,” he said. “I’ve seen that for years now. I can’t remember how many managers have been on the bench at Manchester United. The same results, the same situation.” He added that the responsibility to change things lies with the players themselves.
He singled out Bruno Fernandes in particular, describing the captain’s body language as disappointing. “I saw yesterday some body language I didn’t like, especially from Fernandes,” Petit said. “He’s the leader of the team, one of the best players for years at Manchester United. But I think the whole case has an impact on him. Maybe he’s tired of the whole situation for years.”
Fernandes’ struggles on the ball have been notable this season. A recent statistic showed he has lost possession 106 times, more than any other player in the Premier League.
United’s inability to hold the lead against Tottenham despite their numerical advantage continued a pattern of underwhelming performances. The draw extended their winless run under Carrick, who took over following Erik ten Hag’s departure. While the club remains publicly behind him, the atmosphere inside Old Trafford appears increasingly fraught.
Carrick’s challenge is to restore belief not only in his tactics but in his leadership among a squad that seems worn down by instability and frustration. The players’ stance, as Petit suggests, could be the biggest obstacle yet to Manchester United regaining form.
According to Yahoo Sports.
