Carrick targets January signings and backs Man United unity

The manager’s comments came amid growing pressure following a poor start to the season and a public dispute over recruitment, after defender Lisandro Martínez criticised the club’s hierarchy following the Champions League defeat by Atlético Madrid.

Manchester United concentrated on rebuilding their midfield during the summer, signing Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba for a reported combined £155m. However, their lack of depth at left-back and in attack has come under scrutiny.

Carrick said the club would consider what could be achieved when the transfer window reopens.

“When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it,” he said.

“Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don’t quite know. But without doubt, there’s an opportunity because the transfer window is open. So we’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.”

United are understood to be planning a defensive rebuild over the next two transfer windows. Left-back and centre-back are areas of particular concern, with Luke Shaw out of contract at the end of the season and Martínez’s current deal also approaching its expiry, although the club has an option to extend it by a further year.

Carrick also believes he will be allowed to work through the difficult period. Asked whether he expected to receive time to improve the team, he said: “I do, yes. But it is not something I dwell on.”

“I’m here to win football matches, but winning football matches short term with an eye on developing the club and pushing the club to be great.

“Again, in terms of results and winning things, it’s a great club anyway, but on the pitch, we need to be great. We haven’t quite hit that level in recent times, and I understand that.

“But I don’t think about myself or my own situation, how much time I have, or what it looks like for me. There’s no individual that’s more important than this football club.”

Martínez apologised after his comments about recruitment, acknowledging the timing and public nature of his criticism following discussions with Carrick and club officials. Carrick has said the matter has been resolved internally.

The manager also rejected suggestions that the episode had split the dressing room, describing the mood within the squad as positive and emphasising that players and staff share the same ambition.

United’s immediate challenge remains improving results, but Carrick’s message is that the club must address its weaknesses without losing sight of its longer-term rebuilding plans.