Manchester United’s caretaker manager Michael Carrick has brushed aside sharp comments from former captain Roy Keane, insisting they carry no weight in how he approaches his role at Old Trafford.
Carrick, who inherited Keane’s famous number 16 shirt when he joined United from Tottenham in 2006 and went on to lift five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, was reminded of a difficult moment in the club’s recent past when United were thrashed 3-0 by Olympiakos in 2014.
Reports on Friday suggested Keane had previously taken issue with Carrick’s subdued post-match interview that night, a criticism that resurfaced recently when the ex-skipper labelled Carrick’s wife Lisa “a big mouth” on the Stick To Football podcast over her past social media response.
Keane has also questioned Carrick’s decision to bring Jonny Evans, Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate into his backroom team. However, Carrick made it clear that such opinions do not distract him.
He said there will always be contrasting views in football but stressed that his energy remains firmly on preparing his squad and staff to perform. He added that outside commentary neither adds to nor eases the pressure he feels in the job.
Carrick confirmed that no formal targets have been set for his 17-game interim spell, though he acknowledged that securing European qualification would represent progress for the club.
He also revealed that he has held discussions with key figures in United’s ownership structure, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and members of the Glazer family, while maintaining regular contact with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada.
According to Carrick, those meetings were cordial and constructive, with the ownership group offering their support and well wishes as he continues in the role.
