Kasper Schmeichel has urged Manchester United supporters to back the team, arguing that protests against the club's ownership do not help the players on the pitch. The son of former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said he sympathises with the demonstrations but highlighted their adverse impact on the squad.
Win over Roma and fan protests
United secured a much-needed win over AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, coming from two goals down to beat the Serie A side. Michael Carrick's men were booed off after a tepid first half before Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, who scored twice, inspired a second-half fightback.
Tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch before and during the European win, while derogatory chants towards director of football Jason Wilcox and the United ownership came from the Stretford End.
Schmeichel's plea to supporters
Speaking on BBC 5Live, Schmeichel said: "I'd still be very tentative, particularly considering your next two games are Aston Villa and Liverpool. That's a tough ask even if you're on a good run. If you want to force a change, you have to a little bit get on the bandwagon to promote the positivity."
He added: "I like that the fans, they stayed. They could have gone at half time and been frustrated and missed the traffic, but I like the fact that they stayed. And once the first goal went in, that was enough to create the atmosphere. Now the fans have their chance to influence what's going on on the pitch for the next game. Now they have the chance to go and back it up."
Pressure on Carrick and hierarchy
The pressure is on Carrick after failing to replicate the form which earned him the permanent post at Old Trafford. The 45-year-old has kept his place in the dugout despite defeats to Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea, but the key decision-makers continue to face pressure.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are the recent targets for criticism, but fans remain angry at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family's ownership. There have been growing calls for figures like Wilcox or Berrada to face the music, with the director of football's only media appearance coming from club channels following a three-match unbeaten run.
Carrick remained tight-lipped when asked about it in October. He said: "I don't think that's for me to say. I've got no problem with how it is for me sitting here and talking to you guys."
