Manchester, January 16, 2026 — Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has downplayed criticism from former players, insisting that external commentary has no impact on his focus as he begins his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated Manchester derby, Carrick described the ongoing debate surrounding his appointment and coaching staff as “irrelevant,” responding directly to recent remarks made by former United captain Roy Keane.

Carrick Unfazed by Roy Keane’s Remarks

Carrick, who famously inherited Keane’s iconic number 16 shirt when he joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, said he felt no additional pressure from Keane’s comments or the broader discussion generated by ex-players.

“There are plenty of opinions around — some positive, some not,” Carrick said. “It doesn’t bother me. It’s totally irrelevant in terms of what I focus on.”

Keane recently criticised Carrick’s appointment and questioned the makeup of his coaching staff, including the addition of Jonny Evans, Steve Holland, and Jonathan Woodgate. Keane also revisited a long-standing personal issue dating back to 2014, when Carrick gave a subdued post-match interview following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Olympiakos — a moment that sparked public disagreement involving Carrick’s wife at the time.

When asked directly about the personal nature of Keane’s comments, Carrick was blunt. “It didn’t bother me,” he said.

Focus Remains on Players and Performance

Carrick stressed that his priority is internal improvement rather than outside noise.

“For me, the players and staff, we focus on how we’re going to succeed,” he said. “There’s a lot that can be said, but I’m not going to pay too much attention to that.”

The former midfielder enjoyed a glittering playing career at United, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League, but he acknowledged that the club has endured a prolonged period of instability in recent years.

No Fixed Targets, but Europe Is the Aim

Carrick confirmed that he has not been given explicit targets for his 17-game spell in charge, though he described qualification for European competition as a meaningful step forward.

“It would represent progress,” he said, while emphasising that short-term results must be balanced with rebuilding confidence and culture within the squad.

Ownership Talks and Club Structure

Carrick revealed that he recently met with members of the club’s ownership group, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and representatives of the Glazer family, during a monthly board meeting at the Carrington training complex.

While his primary communication channels remain with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, Carrick said the meeting was positive.

“They wished us all the very best,” he said. “It was good to share a few things.”

United’s Current Form and League Position

Manchester United enter the derby against Manchester City in difficult form, having won just one of their last seven matches. Recent league setbacks against Wolves, Leeds, and Burnley have seen the club slip to seventh place in the table.

With a challenging fixture against league leaders Arsenal looming next, United could potentially drop into the bottom half of the standings ahead of a home match against Fulham, when supporter protests against the club’s ownership are planned.

Despite this, Carrick rejected the notion that United are a club in decline.

“Manchester United Is Not Soulless”

“I certainly don’t think it’s soulless,” Carrick said. “There’s a magic around this place — you can feel it.”

He emphasised that restoring the club’s identity goes beyond tactics and results.

“What happens on the pitch is one thing, but the culture — how we think, how we act, how we behave — that’s part of my responsibility,” he said.

Carrick added that his early impressions of the squad have been positive.

“The players have been willing to listen, willing to learn, and desperate to do better,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of belief in this group, individually and collectively.”

Debate Over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Influence

The controversy widened after Keane suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill remain overly involved at the club. That view was rejected by former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who defended the pair’s presence.

“To describe it as hanging around like a bad smell is disrespectful,” Ferdinand said. “These are people who care deeply about the club. Why wouldn’t you draw on that experience?”

Ferdinand also backed Carrick’s appointment, describing him as a steady and credible choice in a difficult situation.

“In this moment, you need someone who understands the club, knows the players, and can bring stability,” he said.

Derby Pressure and a Defining Test

With Keane and other former players set to provide commentary during the Manchester derby, scrutiny around Carrick is unlikely to fade. However, the United head coach remains resolute.

“I don’t feel the pressure,” Carrick said. “It doesn’t bother me.”

As United prepare for one of the most scrutinised fixtures of the season, Carrick’s response to criticism may prove as important as the result itself.