Despite the vocal backlash, Carrick remained unbothered by the crowd’s reaction. The United boss insisted the substitution was purely a tactical necessity and confirmed that Mainoo had no issues with the decision.
“There’s always going to be certain reactions when you’re making changes,” Carrick explained. “I think Kobbie played well, to be honest, so it was just more of at that stage of the game we’re trying to make something happen and Kobbie understands that. He’s fine, I spoke to him after the game.”
The manager also defended the supporters’ right to express their emotions during a tense finale. “I understand at times when chasing the game everyone’s a little bit emotional, the supporters are, as well they should be,” he added. “They’re desperate for us to do the right thing. But I don’t take any negatives or offence to it.”