Leeds United

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has said Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has done excellently this season and does not understand the criticism he has faced.

"When I think about Michael and young coaches, he’s done excellently," said Farke.

"He did brilliant at Middlesbrough. After six games, he did not do awfully [at United this season]. They are mid-table or so. Obviously by their perception they want to be going for a title.

"You don’t need to go for him as a young coach. What he’s done as a coach and as a player, he’s done a tremendous job.

"I don’t think we’re heading in the right direction [criticising Carrick], it won’t help in the right direction. I don’t like it, I don’t understand it.

"We need to protect young British coaches, even though I am German I feel half British. I think we should back [them] and be happy at someone with so much potential."

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That's all for now from Xabi Alonso, we will bring you any more team news when we get it, over and above that line on Reece James' knee injury.

We have already heard from Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, who faced a number of questions about his own future.

Sunday's opponents are Leeds United - manager Daniel Farke has been sticking up for his opposite number...

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on their current rate of scoring is sustainable - 15 across their first six Premier League games:

"I hope so. Our goal is to keep doing that. We have talked a lot about not conceding that many. If we improve or continue the level of scoring and decrease the numbers we are conceding we will be in a better way, but we need to go game-by-game.

"Tomorrow will be tough, but we are looking forward to this game.

On tweaks made for their last match - a 5-1 win at home to Bournemouth game: "We want to be flexible but also solid whenever we are pressing high. We think the balance is the right one.

"We chose that way against Bournemouth, Everton will be different. They do many good things and have many good players with experience."

Chelsea

More from Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on who will replace Reece James as captain while he is out:

"We have Moi [Moises Caicedo], Levi [Colwill], we have players who take the responsibility and take the role in a perfect way.

"They have the support from the rest when they see them with the armband, so it is no bother."

Chelsea

Xabi Alonso on whether he might need to sign cover for Reece James in January:

"I don't think so, we expect by that time he will be back. It doesn't affect [that].

"He is still a very important player. He is the captain, he is a great influence and hopefully after he recovers from this injury he will be available for many games.

"He has a good mentality and we need him."

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was asked about the knee injury suffered by captain Reece James, which has forced him to undergo surgery: "We are all disappointed, especially for him. He wanted to have a good start after the international break, but he picked up an injury.

"The surgery has been successful. We are supporting him.

"I wish him the best recovery. We won’t set timelines, but we expect him to be out for several weeks.

"It’s not going to be short. Whether it’s before or after Christmas then time will tell. It needs to be done properly.

"We have a big squad to deal with injuries.We have four more games until the next break so I think we can manage well with the players that we have."

OK, we have news and quotes flying in from all angles now, so we are going to move on from Manchester United.

Next stop, Stamford Bridge...

Manchester United

If you are just joining us, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick appeared keen to draw a line under the furore caused by Lisandro Martinez's criticism of the club's hierarchy.

He says it is "done" and the players have moved on and Martinez would be part of the squad to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.

Carrick was also adamant he was "telling the truth" when he told the media that the "squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen in a while".

The former United midfielder also brushed off concerns over his own future as manager - saying "it is not about me" it is about the club stressed he does not need results...the club needs results.

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Manchester United

A final word from Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on a message winger Amad Diallo posted on his Snapchat story after Tuesday's defeat to Atletico Madrid and Lisandro Martinez's subsequent outburst.

Amad used an expletive and said it's a "disgrace" - but did not explain exactly what he was referring to:

"It’s a situation where there are ways of doing it. It shows the boys care an awful lot. There are ways of doing it, they showed the emotion but we have to channel it in the right manner."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, speaking a bit more on Lisandro Martinez's outburst:

"I understand emotion at times. We ask for passion and emotion and for players to care.

"There is a way of doing that and it has been acknowledged, but we need to carry that intensity and willingness and that togetherness and spirit and what else we can bring with that.

"As a group we need to use it and use it in the right way."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on Lisandro Martinez not addressing his apology directly to director of football Jason Wilcox:

"From our point of view, the acknowledgment of what has been done has certainly been enough and we have moved on and we are not looking back on it now."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League:

"There's a lot of things that can affect a group in all sorts of different ways. From the game itself, I think talking about the spirit and the belief in the group, the way we started that game and the run of games we've had, it was very easy for that game to get away from us pretty quickly.

"The way we responded shows there is an underlying belief and spirit and collectiveness within the group.

"That is when they are on the pitch and on their own and they found a way to deal with that pretty well.

"We lost the game and we are disappointed about that but there are ways of going through situations and I thought we went through that in the most part in a good way to give us a lot of belief and come out stronger.

"In certain situations it can galvanise the group and it has certainly galvanised the group as this week has progressed. The boys are in a really good place."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on Sunday's opponents Leeds United:

"Daniel Farke has done a fantastic job. From the start of last season and the change and the run they have gone on. The way they play, they've turned into a really good team and credit to Daniel and his staff for that.

"It is a great rivarly, there's big history between the clubs and the areas. That is what makes these types of games special. You have to embrace the history and the rivalry.

"It will be a fantastic atmosphere on Sunday and we will be ready for it."

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Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on his own situation and needing results:

"I don't need results. We all need results. It is not about me. Manchester United is a lot bigger than any individual, bigger than me, bigger than any player and anyone else who works at this club.

"It is not about me. I don't go into every day at work and this situation thinking about me. It is not about me and not about any individual players, it is about the football club.

"What we stand for and what we live for and the history and things we need to live up to - that is what drives us. Whatever is best for the club and the team on Sunday is the most important thing, it is not about me."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick on the noise about the situation from outside the club:

"There's a lot of people who say a lot of things - ex-pros or not ex-pros - it doesn't necessarily mean they understand what is going on here.

"The players totally believe me. Just because people talk on the outside doesn't mean that is the truth. I am telling you the truth. The squad today was in a fantastic place, better than I have seen it for a while. That is it, plain and simple. We are living it every day and know what it feels like.

"We are emotional and care a lot. Sometimes someone says something that maybe you shouldn't say at that certain time but it doesn't distract us from what we are creating here and the environment and spirit within the group.

"It [the squad] is not affected, I am telling you. We are in a good place and I am really happy with the boys. I think there was a good reaction today."

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