{
  "id": 14046654,
  "title": "Carrick backs Man Utd to emerge from rough spell ahead of Atletico test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/carrick-backs-man-utd-to-emerge-from-rough-spell-ahead-of-atletico-14046654",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T21:03:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/13/carrick-backs-man-utd-to-emerge-from-rough-spell-ahead-of-atletico-test"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick has expressed optimism about his team's prospects despite a disappointing start to the Premier League season. Carrick praised the return of Dutch centreback Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined with a back injury since November 2025. United currently sits at the bottom of the table, having amassed only six points from their first six matches, a performance that falls short of expectations set by Carrick. The coach acknowledged that the team has experienced a challenging phase, stating that \"it's a journey\" and that there have been moments when Atletico Madrid's success hasn't been entirely one-sided. Carrick emphasized the importance of addressing the last three goals conceded during recent matches, as that could prove pivotal. He reassured fans that the team will rise to the occasion in their upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Although United's injury issues persist, with midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and left back Luke Shaw also dealing with injuries, Carrick remains confident in the team's ability to overcome the current difficulties.",
  "summary": "The Red Devils have collected only six points from their first six Premier League matches, their worst league start since the 1986-87 season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Carrick backs Man United to emerge from rough spell ahead of Atletico test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/carrick-backs-man-united-to-emerge-from-rough-spell-ahead-of-atletico",
        "published": "2026-10-12T19:02:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Man Utd suffer double injury blow ahead of Atletico Madrid clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/man-utd-suffer-double-injury-blow-ahead-of-atletico-madrid-clash",
        "published": "2026-10-12T19:40:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Carrick backs Man Utd to emerge from rough spell ahead of Atletico test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/carrick-backs-man-utd-to-emerge-from-rough-spell-ahead-of-atletico",
        "published": "2026-10-12T21:03:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}