Michael Carrick remains confident in the board’s support as he navigates a challenging start to his permanent tenure at Manchester United. Despite sitting 13th in the Premier League with only one win in domestic competition, the manager maintains that he does not require formal reassurance from the club’s hierarchy. Carrick emphasized that he shares a positive relationship with key figures, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, noting the importance of unity within the organization. Carrick was asked on Tuesday if he feels backed by the executive. I don’t need any reassurance,” he said. “It’s pretty clear. “Not for me, that’s Erik’s opinion, it’s totally wrong for me to comment or get involved, it’s nothing to do with me at that stage.
The manager’s comments arrive in the wake of sharp criticism from his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who was in charge from April 2022 until October 2024. Who had recently become the largest single minority stakeholder, assumed control of the football department, in early 2024 Jim Ratcliffe. “I confronted him with this,” Ten Hag said. “Many times I say: ‘Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score.”. But claimed the owners then failed to meet promises made during talks that led to him agreeing a contract extension, ten Hag led United to the FA Cup in 2024.
Ten Hag recently alleged that a “toxic culture” persists at Old Trafford, claiming the club’s management empowers players over staff. The players, the staff, they’ve given us everything that they could give,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with the togetherness.”. They promised me backing, they promised communication, that we get aligned, he said: “They promised me loyalty.
He also expressed frustration regarding broken promises, specifically citing the sale of Scott McTominay despite his explicit objections.
Additionally, the former manager accused Cristiano Ronaldo of letting the team down during his second stint, pointing to incidents such as the forward walking out twice and refusing to complete training runs.
Carrick, who transitioned from interim to permanent manager in May, flatly denied experiencing any toxicity during his time with the squad. He praised the commitment of the current players and staff, stating he has been impressed by the team’s collective spirit. When questioned about Ten Hag’s grievances, Carrick declined to engage with the assessment, asserting that his focus remains solely on the stability of the team and winning upcoming matches.
The squad is currently navigating a significant injury and suspension crisis as they prepare for a Champions League clash against Como on Wednesday. Carrick will be without nine players for the match, including suspended defender Leny Yoro and ill youngster Ayden Heaven. The injury list also includes Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte. This depletion of defensive options may force the manager to call upon Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined since last November with a back issue, or consider playing 19-year-old Harry Amass. Aiming for a third victory of the season in all competitions, carrick’s side travel to Como on Wednesday for their third Champions League game.
Victory against Como would provide a much-needed morale boost following a frustrating 1-1 draw at Leeds. United’s only other competitive success this season remains a 4-0 Champions League victory against Sabah of Azerbaijan last month. Complicating matters further, severe weather warnings for rain and lightning in Como threaten to disrupt the scheduled 5.45pm kickoff. Having won only once, sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds left United 13th in the Premier League.
Addressing his standing at the club, Carrick remarked, “Yeah – why wouldn’t I? I’m in this position, I have a really good relationship with everybody at the club. We’ve got to win games of football and that’s what we’re striving to do.” He added that he understands his responsibilities and remains fully committed to his role, despite the team’s struggles in the league standings. According to “Yeah – why wouldn’t I?”, The 45-year-old. “I’m in this position, I have a really good relationship with everybody at the club. I know we’ve got to win football games for everything to flow and everything to fall into place.”. I got, of course, very embarrassed and disappointed.”. It’s really important we’re all pulling in the same direction.”.
