Carrick must feel 'concern' as pressure builds
[Getty Images] As frustrating as it can be for the media, who benefitted enormously from Ruben Amorim's rent-a-quote period in charge, his calmness and refusal to get flustered has been viewed as one of Michael Carrick's major strengths. Yet when results do not go well, it can look like inaction. Should he have made changes earlier?
Should he have selected different players to start with? Can he cope with the pressure? These are all questions that are asked after defeats, even if nothing much has changed from victorious days.
Carrick's Manchester United have to be viewed over a period of time. It was unfortunate for the head coach that minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in the directors' box to hear the half-time booing, to witness a tepid opening period, and the failed rescue attempt. The loss will sting.
But not as much as if it is repeated at Stamford Bridge - somewhere Manchester United traditionally struggle for victories, right back to the 1960s, and have won only twice since 2002. If it is, it will be one win in five and the gap to Chelsea will be down to four points and Champions League qualification will no longer be viewed as certain. Carrick was bullish as he assessed the situation.
Deep down, there must be some concern as well. "Whatever happened tonight is not going to suddenly change my opinion on what we are as a team," he said. "It is a big end to the season.