Michael Carrick says Man United board backs him as he demands wins

Michael Carrick says the Manchester United board continues to back him after Erik ten Hag pointed to a “toxic culture”. The manager, who took over on an interim basis and was later confirmed, admits the job depends on results: “We’ve got to win games of football”.

United travel to Como on Wednesday for their third Champions League match, aiming for a third win of the season in all competitions. After Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, they sit 13th in the Premier League with just one victory.

Carrick denies any toxicity at the club and says he has a good working relationship with the leadership, pointing to conversations with Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada. For Como he will be without nine players: Leny Yoro (suspended) and Ayden Heaven (ill), plus injuries to Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte. Matthijs de Ligt could be an option after a back problem kept him out since last November.