Michael Carrick has been on a mission to indirectly distance himself from the spectre of Ruben Amorim at Man Utd, and the latest comments add to it.
The first setback of the Michael Carrick era at Man Utd happened at Newcastle, but that feels like a lifetime ago, which is a good and a bad thing.
Some managers often need the next game to come immediately after a loss, but at the same time, breaking down a defeat with diligence can lead to improvement.
One thing that Carrick is not in agreement with Ruben Amorim about is the squad in place for him at Old Trafford, and he has made that very clear.
Benjamin Sesko reads instructions from a tablet as Ruben Amorim looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
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Michael Carrick’s verdict on Man Utd’s squad
Carrick came in and simplified the roles of many individuals in the Man Utd squad, and it led to an almost instant improvement.
It almost worked against him to a point because the simplicity can often be confused for a lack of tactical pedigree, even if those tactics actively harm the team.
However, one thing Carrick was always sure about was that he had a very good squad on his hands, and his job was to get the best out of them.
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He reiterated the same message recently, saying that talent in this squad is incredible, and their attitude and willingness to learn make him excited to come to work every day.
He said: “I think the amount of ability within the squad, [in] different ways. I think the enthusiasm and the attitude of the players, willing to learn and work together, I think that really excites me.
“There’s a lot there for us all to work with and develop. So, it’s a really good place to do that. So, as much as the ability and the talent and the capabilities, technically, I think to have the other side of it and the willingness to be part of the team is really encouraging as well.
“They’re a really fantastic group to work with.”
Carrick’s verdict is the exact opposite of Ruben Amorim’s stance
This is the same team that was getting blanked by Everton at home and losing to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, with Amorim doom-mongering after every defeat.
Prove me wrong: Michael Carrick has already shown enough to become permanent Man United manager.
13 points from 15 would be title winning form over a full season…
Michael Carrick applauds after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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He wasn’t using the players correctly, and because he could never accept that fact, his rage was directed at the players instead.
Completely in contrast to Carrick’s opinion, Amorim constantly pushed for more changes to the squad, with Jason Wilcox reportedly telling him at one point that they can’t change the whole squad, so he needs to work with the players to find an ideal solution.
It ultimately caused him to blow up in his final press conference, challenging everyone in sight to “do their jobs” and let him do his.
Amorim clearly didn’t believe that these players were capable of much more than what they were doing under his coaching.
Carrick has made a mockery of that belief in just eight games, and his verdict on the squad is a direct message that the players are only as good as the person who’s platforming them on the pitch.
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