Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must be ready to handle any extra scrutiny that comes this weekend following their poor showing last time out.

The Blues are at home to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday – a week on from their 3-0 defeat at MK Dons.

Carlisle’s display at Stadium MK, particularly in the first half, attracted strong criticism from travelling fans.

United were booed and Simpson’s own position was called into question by some supporters after the game, though the manager has since been allowed to strengthen his squad further with the eyecatching arrival of winger Jordan Jones.

United, after two defeats either side of the victory over Barrow, find their early-season efforts back under the spotlight in light of their substandard showing at Milton Keynes, but manager Simpson insists that is no different to normal.

Asked if pressure returns for the Tranmere game, the Blues boss said: “Obviously it does, yes.

“But there's pressure on every single game. There's pressure every time you turn out in a football game, because you have to go and perform.

“If you want to be successful, you have to handle that. There's no point in shying away from it.

“We've got to handle that, and we've got to go and deal with it better than we [did last weekend].”

Paul Simpson heads for the tunnel after United's defeat at MK Dons which brought criticism from fansPaul Simpson heads for the tunnel after United's defeat at MK Dons which brought criticism from fans (Image: Richard Parkes)

Jones, who has trained with his team-mates since sealing his move on Tuesday, will be a contender to go straight into the side against Nigel Adkins’ Tranmere, who are unbeaten in the league after two draws and a win.

The main question could be whether Simpson involves the 29-year-old in his preferred 3-5-2 system or adapts his formation to make the most of the winger’s qualities.

Simpson has until 11pm on Friday to do any further business, having strengthened his attacking midfield options with his latest two signings – those of Jones and the AFC Bournemouth loanee Dominic Sadi, who made his debut as a substitute at MK.

It remains to be seen whether United’s boss could strengthen in other areas, with attack one possible position to consider should Georgie Kelly – who limped off with a calf injury last weekend – be sidelined for a spell.

Reports have linked the Blues with another attacking midfielder in Rangers’ Alex Lowry, who the Scottish Premiership side are said to be prepared to offload.

At the other end of the pitch Simpson will hope to welcome Terell Thomas back after the centre-back missed the MK Dons game with a hamstring issue.

Cameron Harper and Dylan McGeouch are also close to returning after missing recent weeks with groin injuries.

Tranmere will include the former Blues favourite Omari Patrick, who will face his former club for the first time since his departure following 2023’s promotion.

Patrick’s last action for United was that May’s play-off final when he memorably scored Carlisle’s equaliser against Stockport County at Wembley, as Carlisle went on to win on penalties.

He joined Sutton United last year before leaving the south London club at the end of their League Two relegation season, then earning a deal at Tranmere following a trial this summer.

Patrick has scored two goals in six appearances in league and cup for Adkins’ side this season, with former United marksman Kristian Dennis also in the Wirral club’s ranks. Patrick started and Dennis came off the bench in Tranmere’s 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester City on Tuesday.