Carrick: The current period represents a challenge for us, and this is not easy

Michael Carrick, the manager of Manchester United, spoke after the 1-1 draw against Tottenham in the match held at Old Trafford during the sixth round of the Premier League, expressing his disappointment at losing two points despite the team's improved performance in the second half.

Michael Carrick said in statements to BBC on Match of the Day: "It was a mixed match. We faced difficulties at the start, and for several reasons we were not at our best. It was clear that this period represents a challenge for us."

He added: "The players have improved gradually over time, and I think we were better in every aspect during the second half. We managed to get the match to the situation we wanted, putting ourselves in a very good position, and we should have maintained our lead until the end."

He emphasized: "We need to handle such situations better. We conceded two late goals that cost us a lot, and if we had avoided that, the situation would have been completely different. That is the truth."

Regarding the team's slow start, he said: "I don't think it's about a lack of confidence, but the game can slip away from you very quickly. We managed to get back into the flow of the match and put ourselves in a great position, and that's one of the things that disappointed me the most."

He concluded regarding the boos from the fans at the end of the first half and the match, stating: "It's not easy, it hurts me a lot because I care about this club. But I understand the fans' disappointment, the reality is what we are living now, and we have to get back to winning."