Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has played down concerns about his side slipping into the Premier League relegation zone, insisting the situation carries no shame for the club.

Carrick struck a defiant tone as United find themselves under pressure near the foot of the table, arguing that where a team stands at any given moment in a long season does not define them. For a club of Manchester United's stature, the position is uncomfortable — but Carrick refuses to treat it as a crisis.

The former England midfielder, who took charge at Old Trafford, is urging those inside the dressing room to focus on the work ahead rather than the noise surrounding the club's league standing. His message is clear: there is nothing to be embarrassed about in fighting your way out of a difficult spell, and the only response that matters is on the pitch.

Manchester United have endured a turbulent period, and the pressure that comes with managing one of the world's most scrutinised football clubs is immense. Carrick, however, appears determined to shield his players from the weight of external expectation and keep their focus sharp ahead of upcoming fixtures.

With the Premier League season still offering room to recover, Carrick's approach appears to be one of calm and pragmatism rather than panic. Whether United can translate that composure into results will be the true measure of his tenure in the dugout.