Carrick slams ‘ridiculous’ job talk as United stumble at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick insisted the Manchester United role remains the right one for him as he hit back at the ‘ridiculous’ speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, speaking after back‑to‑back home defeats to Manchester City and Brighton at Carrington on Friday.
By CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS. Published on 18 September 2026.
Carrick takes responsibility
He accepted full blame for the dismal run, arguing United are not in the midst of a catastrophe or disaster and that losing half of their six games this season “doesn’t mean the world caves in”. He added that external pressure on owners is “irrelevant for me” and that thinking about how long he will stay is “totally not on the radar”.
Winning games as the answer
Carrick said winning is the only real solution, noting that history shows successful clubs must work through periods of poor form. He expected a dip after a strong spell last season and said the 3‑2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, which saw United give up a two‑goal lead, “doesn’t affect how I think about what we need to do next”. When asked whether he should show more emotion, he retorted, “In what way? How? What do you want me to show?”.
Record and recent results
Since taking charge in January 2026, Carrick has overseen 14 wins from 23 games. United have secured two victories from six this season – a comeback win over newly promoted Ipswich and a Champions League triumph against Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK – before travelling to Fulham on Sunday. Brighton’s comeback marked the first time a side has overturned a two‑goal deficit at Old Trafford in 50 years.
Supporters booed the team after the Brighton defeat and chanted against United, yet Carrick said he is “not bothered” by the pressure and reiterated that concerns about his tenure are “ridiculous”.
External criticism and squad fitness
Critics have focused on United’s recruitment, particularly the lack of a left‑back, the club’s finances and Carrick’s relative inexperience compared with assistant Steve Holland. He confirmed that Luke Shaw and new signing Carlos Baleba have a chance of being fit for the upcoming Craven Cottage match.
Ten Hag and Amorim comparison
When asked whether he feared a scenario similar to former managers Erik ten Hag or Rúben Amorim, Carrick called the question “belachelijk” – ridiculous – and said he does not think about the owners’ timeline. He acknowledged his hatred of losing but stressed that two or three defeats “doesn’t mean the world caves in”.
Despite the noise, Carrick affirmed his love for United, stating he would not want to be anywhere else and that it is his responsibility to keep searching for solutions rather than assigning blame.