Michael Carrick: Man Utd players will fight for Louis van Gaal's job against Chelsea

MICHAEL CARRICK has hit out at claims that Manchester United's players aren't trying hard enough for under-fire boss Louis van Gaal.

 

Michael Carrick says the players are giving their all for Louis van Gaal

 

The Red Devils suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Stoke on Boxing Day - a result that has heaped pressure on Van Gaal.

Next up for United is Chelsea this afternoon (5.30pm) and News News Blog Sport understands that if the Dutchman fails to win he will be sacked.

However, Carrick has admitted the players will be giving it their all to ensure this doesn't happen, despite reports suggesting the players aren't behind the manager.

 

"I have a lot of pride in myself and in my performances and I think it is a bit disrespectful when people say that the lads aren't trying for the manager," he said.

"That hurts us a lot, because that is not the type of people we are.

"We haven't won games and it is fair enough if people criticise things that have gone wrong on the pitch.

 

Louis van Gaal is massively under pressure following the defeat to Stoke

 

"But I think to say we are not trying for certain people is quite disrespectful and it hurts us a lot.

"We're playing for this great club, it is a special club. It is pride in yourself, pride in the club and pride in everyone - your team-mates and staff.

United have now suffered four straight defeats - and are seven games without a win - and have slipped out of the top four, below Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

 

And Carrick claims the players must be better and can turn things around with a win against Chelsea.

"It is a horrible run, and it is a horrible feeling," he said. "It hurts badly.

"The run we've been on is just not good enough. We can't hide from it, we're not going to hide from it. That is how it is and we all need to be better.

"We've just got to try and turn it round on Monday, it is the only way."