Olympiakos 2 Manchester United 0: Michael Carrick remains optimistic despite dismal defeat - 'United can still turn tie around'

England midfielder remains upbeat despite woeful United performance

Michael Carrick heads the ball forward against Olympiakos (Getty Images)

Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United still had hope of progressing in the Champions League after they slumped to a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Olympiakos in Athens with one of their worst performances of a desperately trying season.

“It’s a disappointing night. We feel like we are still in with a chance going back to Old Trafford but it won’t be easy,” Carrick said.

“We’ve lost a game. We came here hoping to win but we are not out of the tie. It’s not ideal.

Alejandro Dominguez gave Olympiakos the lead seven minutes before half time when he flicked Ioannis Maniatis’ shot from the edge of the penalty area to leave David de Gea wrongfooted. Nine minutes into the second half, Joel Campbell, on loan at the Greek club from Arsenal, was given too much time outside the box to beat De Gea with a curling 20-yard shot.

United scarcely created a chance all night until Robin van Persie fired over from an excellent position with nine minutes to go. Their defence was tentative and error-prone while Tom Cleverly and Carrick were off the pace in central midfield.

“We had good possession in the first half without penetrating through their lines but at the same time they didn’t cause us any problems,” Carrick added. The goals came from nothing really.

“We didn’t start the second half well and that put us on the back foot. We are not getting results and as players we have to take that on the chin.”

Commenting on the game for ITV, former United captain Roy Keane said David Moyes’ side “just did not turn up.” He added: “Nobody predicted that. It’s been a tough night for the club, the players and the fans.”