Michael Carrick, the newly appointed head coach of Manchester United, has addressed the potential pressure stemming from outspoken former players turned pundits, such as Roy Keane and Gary Neville. In a recent statement, Carrick asserted that the opinions of these high-profile figures do not add extra weight to the responsibilities he now carries at Old Trafford.
Carrick's appointment comes after a turbulent period for the club, with Ruben Amorim's 14-month tenure ending prematurely. Darren Fletcher briefly took charge before the club turned to Carrick, another former Red Devils midfielder, to lead the team for the remainder of the season. His first challenge will be a derby match against Manchester City.
Keane and Neville, known for their forthright opinions, have already discussed Carrick's appointment on the "Stick to Football" podcast. Neville stated his belief that the club should not consider retaining Carrick beyond the current season, regardless of his performance. Keane questioned the coaching setup and made a remark about Carrick's wife.
Carrick remains unfazed by the commentary, stating, "They're not putting more pressure on me. I don't feel that". He acknowledged the prevalence of opinions surrounding the role, both positive and negative, but emphasized that they are "totally irrelevant" to his focus and work ethic. Carrick affirmed his understanding of the need for improvement and how he intends to work with the players. He added that he would not pay too much attention to outside opinions.
Carrick's return to Manchester United marks a significant chapter in his career. After leaving the club, where he spent many years, he expressed his joy at being back and his deep connection to the team. He acknowledged the personal relationships and the "soft side" of returning but quickly shifted his focus to the job at hand.
Carrick's previous managerial experience includes a stint at Middlesbrough, where he took over in a difficult situation and led the team to a top-six finish. Despite a less successful follow-up season, his initial impact demonstrated his capabilities as a leader and tactician. Some fans believe that Carrick deserves more time, due to what he managed to achieve last term.
Carrick's immediate task is to stabilize the team and guide them through the remainder of the season. With his experience as a player and his previous managerial role, he brings a unique perspective to the position. His ability to block out external pressures, as demonstrated by his comments regarding Keane and Neville, will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead.
