Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was quizzed on a number of topics during the second part of his press conference to preview our Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
The Reds take on our rivals from Merseyside at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, knowing a win would guarantee a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.
Before the game, the boss was asked by journalists about Amad, what it’s like to be in the stands for a Liverpool game, competing for major trophies and Mohamed Salah.
Here is everything Carrick had to say in the embargoed section of his briefing at Carrington…
Amad was really good against Liverpool at Anfield in October. I just wanted to know what you thought about his performances since you've come into the club. He's not scored or assisted since December. What do you think he can do to improve really?
“I actually think he's playing well, Amad. I think numbers in terms of goals and assists, I think there's an awful lot more in the game. Playing in a winning team like he has, to worry about numbers, I think he gives the team so much. He's got so much talent, he's got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He's played different roles at times. I'm a big fan of Amad, I think he was unlucky and unfortunate that we had to change things tactically the other night [against Brentford], and it was purely on that why he came off. I think he's given the team an awful lot. It's the underbelly of what goes into the performance, not always what the headline grabs, that actually proves to be a team that's going to be successful and Amad's part of that.”
The last time United did a double over Liverpool at Anfield, you were in the stands in the away end. What were your memories of that? How big a buzz was that?
“I’d rather have been on the pitch at that point, but I was injured. I took the opportunity to go, I've done it a number of times, to go in the away end and sample it, feel it, be that connected to it, to understand it. When Wayne [Rooney] scored, there was a bit of celebrating going on and you kind of lose yourself for a moment or two. Really good memories of it. It's been a while, obviously, since we did that. Hopefully we can produce another good result on Sunday.”
After the game the other night you said that, while Champions League football is obviously something you want to qualify for, you didn't want to over-celebrate it. Is that a message you're having to give to the players, or do they already know that while Champions League football is a big thing, they should be aiming higher than that?
“I just think it's the mindset, really, throughout. Sometimes that comes from me, in terms of setting the agenda, setting the goals, setting the targets. I think the boys are hungry enough and understand enough about this club, where we want to be, how we want it to look. We're not going to get carried away with certain things. It's a good step, it's huge progress in terms of being at this stage. What they went through as a group last season, and to be now in the position they're fighting for, and in the position towards the top of the league, it's a big jump and a big step. They need to take a lot of credit for that as a playing group and a squad. But they certainly understand that it's another step, and we want to keep trying to achieve more than that.”
On that theme, we spoke to Mason [Mount] on Tuesday and he said that this club, these players, want a challenge for the title, and it sounded like he might even be thinking next season. I wondered, from your perspective, what's that like to hear as a manager? Also, it feels like maybe it could be a realistic opportunity, given the way the season has fluctuated for Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, as we've seen, the champions last season falling away this season.
“To win the league is the ultimate, it’s special, it takes an awful lot for the boys to feel confident. I have the hope and belief that it's possible at some point around the corner, [that’s] exactly where we want to be and how close we are, time will tell. I'm not going to be making any major statements with that one, but I think it's, again, the improvement of the group, the results that we've had against the teams we've had, I think it gives the boys a lot of confidence, and we need to keep making good steps.”
Did you watch the PSG-Bayern game and, if so, is that the standard of attacking that United and other teams should be aspiring to? Does a game like that also kind of whet the appetite for a return to that level of competition?
“Certainly, to want to be involved in those type of nights, late in competitions, Champions League, of course. [I was] fortunate enough to do it in the past, in the great occasions, and you want to be testing yourself at the very, very top level. So, yes, that's what we're striving for, without doubt. It was a fantastic game to watch. I'm not sure Woody [Jonathan Woodgate] and Jonny [Evans] at the centre of action, as defenders and defending line, were thinking the same as the attackers, but that's football, you know. It was a fantastic game to watch, and all to play for next week.”
Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah won't play in the game on Sunday, which we kind of knew anyway. I know that you wouldn't normally talk about a different team's players, but given the nature of the game, given who he is, and how much of a thorn he's been in this club's side over the years, can you put into words just what a pain he has been, basically, and what a boost it is not having him up against you on Sunday?
“Yes, I think full respect for what he's achieved. It's been tough for us at times to watch it, and obviously to be against us, but a lot of respect for what he's done for Liverpool, for the league, and the level of performance that he's produced for so long. Everything does come to an end at some stage, and he's obviously not involved in the game, but we wish him all the best for whatever's next.”
Would you rather be not facing him than facing him on Sunday?
“I’m certainly not going to say that, because they've got some good players, and they've got a very good squad and some good individuals, so I won't be going that far. But listen, he's been one of the best that has graced this great league for so long, so full credit to him for that.”