Michael Carrick insists he and his Manchester United team-mates are suffering and will do everything in their power to turn things around.
Speaking after his side’s most recent disappointment – a stoppage-time equaliser at home to bottom side Fulham – the England midfielder said they must work hard to get themselves back to a more familiar league position.
"Of course the players care," said Carrick.
“It is the pride we have in ourselves and each other.
"No-one wants to go through a spell when people are questioning you and things are going wrong. We have had enough success over the years that we retain a belief in ourselves even when things are not going so well.
It has been a disappointing season for Carrick and his Manchester United teammates
"No-one wants to go through a spell when people are questioning you and things are going wrong. We have had enough success over the years that we retain a belief in ourselves even when things are not going so well.
"We keep trying to do the right things, and in the end, you think it will pay off for you.”
After trailing for much of the match following Steven Sidwell’s 19th-minute opener, Robin van Persie and Carrick scored in quick succession and seemed to have given David Moyes’ side a much-needed win.
However, Fulham substitute Darren Bent had other ideas and scored a dramatic equaliser four minutes into added time to inflict another blow on Moyes' men – who have now dropped 18 points at Old Trafford this season – and Carrick said it was hard to take after working so hard to get back into the game.
"We thought it had but it wasn't to be. It isn't for the want of trying. It is not a case of not caring. We care just as much, if not more, than anybody else."
“We will pick ourselves up. That is what we do. That is the business we are in.”
Michael Carrick
The sight of Carrick being swamped by ecstatic team-mates following his strike, and Wayne Rooney on his knees in triumph emphasised the depth of feeling amongst the United squad and the 32-year-old said nobody wants their plight to improve more than them.
"We thought it was going to turn," said Carrick.
"We have thought that all season. We still believe it will but it seems like setback after setback at the moment.
"We have had success over the years. You have to deal with the down times as well.
"It has been a tough season and we are not in a very good position in the league.
"We will pick ourselves up. That is what we do. That is the business we are in."
