Michael Carrick has pushed back against suggestions that his emotional post-match lap of honour was a goodbye, insisting he has no intention of waving farewell to Manchester United supporters — even as the club suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

United fans directed their fury at the club's ownership, technical director Jason Wilcox, and the playing squad after the final whistle, yet reserved their warmest backing for Carrick, who visibly struggled to contain his emotions as he toured the pitch to acknowledge the crowd, pressing a hand to his heart in gratitude.

Carrick's message to the fans

"It wasn't a farewell from me," the 45-year-old said when pressed on the gesture. "I probably didn't really expect that off the supporters, if I'm honest, but I've always felt the support and that connection with them. It will take a bit of time to digest, but I certainly appreciate their support."

Carrick was candid about how deeply the loss had cut, not only for himself but for the players behind the dressing-room door. "It's difficult for me to have a day like this at this club and feel the emotion," he said. "I'm feeling it for my players — they're going through a tough spell."

Heavy toll on the squad

The manager painted a picture of a dressing room in real pain following the result, with several players visibly distressed. "There's a lot of emotion in the changing room right now, there's a lot of the boys quite hurt, to be fair," Carrick added. "It's not like they don't care or they want to be in this position. The ones I've spoken to, it's affecting them a lot."

The defeat leaves Manchester United in a precarious situation, and the outpouring of fan emotion — both the anger aimed at the boardroom and the solidarity shown to Carrick — underlines just how tense the atmosphere at Old Trafford has become.