Carrick: Returning Manchester United to former glories will take time

Michael Carrick said Manchester United cannot quickly return to their former glories ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, which could be his last in charge of the coaching staff.

Carrick’s comments came after United ended a run of nine matches without a win by beating Roma 3-2 in the Champions League, having been two goals behind. However, they have not won in the league since August and are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

The board gave Carrick another chance, but the two-week international break after the Aston Villa match could give the club’s management an opportunity to make a change if he cannot show that the team is moving in the right direction.

Carrick said it was not impossible to restore the success achieved under Alex Ferguson, but that it would require time, building and consistency. He noted that the team had shown progress last season and that consistency was essential to achieving success.

Carrick also confirmed that midfielder Carlos Baleba will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury sustained during the win over Roma, without specifying exactly how long he will be sidelined.