Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has firmly stated that his players will remain entirely focused on their footballing objectives, despite the backdrop of significant fan protests planned for Sunday's Premier League match against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Protests Planned Amid Club Tensions
The lunchtime fixture is set to be preceded by a substantial demonstration organised by the prominent supporter group, The 1958. The group anticipates that upwards of 6,000 fans will join a pre-match march to voice their discontent with the club's ownership, specifically targeting the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 1958 views Ratcliffe, who is now in charge of football operations at the club, as being complicit with the Glazers. This protest comes at a time when Manchester United's financial situation remains under intense scrutiny, with the club reportedly carrying debts of approximately £1.1 billion, which includes millions in outstanding payments for player transfers.
Carrick Backs the Supporters' Passion
Despite the expected rancour outside the stadium, Carrick expressed his complete respect for the fanbase and their right to protest. He emphasised that the planned actions would not impact the team's performance or preparation as they seek a third straight victory under his temporary stewardship.
'It doesn't affect the team,' Carrick stated unequivocally. 'I fully respect the supporters. They're incredible. They have been for so long and had a lot of ups and some downs as well, but, you know, I'm not offended by it or anything, and the players certainly aren't.'
The former United midfielder went on to praise the unconditional support his team has felt from the stands in recent matches, highlighting a special connection that has developed.
'Within the stadium, the support we've felt, and that's been there for all the games that I've watched for quite some time, has been of the highest level and I'm sure it will continue to be like that,' he added. 'The connection we've had over the last couple of weeks has been pretty special and we've both fed off that.'
Focus on Football and Fulham Challenge
Carrick's brief tenure has yielded stunning back-to-back victories against formidable rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, results that have propelled United up to fourth place in the Premier League table. With 15 games remaining, the club is now firmly in contention for a coveted Champions League qualification spot.
The interim boss stressed that the team's focus must remain squarely on their on-pitch responsibilities, irrespective of off-field controversies.
'Off the pitch, whatever goes on in and around the club, it's not really for us as a playing group to worry about and let that affect performances,' Carrick explained. 'I think it's what we feel, what we can grasp at the minute, and we feel the utmost support from the supporters as much as ever, and that's where we want to keep moving towards.'
Respect for Fulham's Threat
Looking ahead to the Fulham encounter, Carrick warned that Marco Silva's side presents a challenge just as significant as those posed by City and Arsenal. Fulham are enjoying an impressive season and sit not far behind United in the league standings.
'With Marco and Fulham as a team, I think it's as big a test as what we've had,' said Carrick. 'So it's really not a case of looking at this any differently. They're on a great run. They're not far behind us in the league and they're there for a reason, so it's a big challenge for us.'
Carrick reported positive signs from the training ground, indicating that the squad's intensity and focus have, if anything, increased following their recent successes.
'In terms of what I've seen, the reaction from the last game, coming back into the training and the focus, if anything, it's gone up even more, and the intensity in the training is a very, very good level. So that's all I can ask for,' he concluded, expressing confidence in his squad's mentality ahead of the weekend's crucial fixture.
