Michael Carrick has said Manchester United’s present situation is “horrible” and players are suffering “more than most” under the weight of a miserable first term under David Moyes.
The midfielder spoke as United head for their worst ever finish in the Premier League, with a record low points total and a record high loss count.
The Champions League remains the only potential relief for Carrick adn his teammates this season, but with a 1-1 home draw to Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s quarter final first leg that aim is appearing a lot like a distant dream.
"It's horrible," Carrick told the Daily Mail. "You go home after a bad result and you suffer more than most because it's our responsibility if we have not performed and got the result.
"You take it to the next game. You constantly ask questions of yourself. You have to face the public on the school run or taking the kids somewhere.
"It's not pleasant, but if you want to take good times you have to be prepared for the bad times."
Carrick has endured torrid seasons before, notably his relegation with West Ham and he takes heart from that experience when trying to remain positive about the future at Man Utd.
"They're the things that drive you on - being relegated with West Ham, playing in the Championship.
"I constantly remind myself of that. It's not something I have forgotten. I don't take winning things for granted. You can't do that.
"That made me even stronger, going through that. I still remember the feeling, without a doubt."
With David Moyes in line for much of the criticism Carrick points to the responsibility players at United must bear, and how that can affect different individuals in different ways.
"We all have opinions on what can be done better and what team should be picked on the weekend. If you don't get results, people ask questions,” he said.
"We haven't played well enough and certain games have been quite damaging. At home, against West Brom, Southampton and Fulham, that is not what we have come to expect.
"We were saying about character and playing at Old Trafford if it is not going well, and there is no place to hide.
"United is a different animal, totally. It is more than a club. What happens on the pitch comes with a lot of other stuff - responsibility, expectations. It's tough to put into words.
"Sometimes it takes players longer to settle than others. That is the nature of the club. But it is not about the individuals, it's about the team gelling together. Of course it can work out for everyone,” he added.
