Nicky Butt has clarified his earlier comments about Michael Carrick's reluctance to take the Manchester United job, emphasising that Carrick was always prepared to accept the role if it came up.
Butt's Clarification on Carrick's Comments
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Butt explained that his previous remarks on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast were misunderstood. "I believe I said that but I'll clarify what I meant, and I'm not ducking, it I'm really not. I'll explain," he said.
Butt recounted a conversation during a padel tournament, where Carrick, his doubles partner, discussed his plans after leaving Middlesbrough. "He said 'no, it's all over the show, it's hard work – however, if the big one came up, obviously I would take it.' And the big one did come up, and he took it," Butt said.
Carrick's Response to Pressure
Carrick, who became interim manager in January following Ruben Amorim's exit, saw his position made permanent in the summer after a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. However, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea dropped United to 17th in the Premier League, only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
The 45-year-old has faced mounting pressure, with United failing to win in their previous nine fixtures across all competitions. Carrick brushed off the original comments during a press conference last month, stating, "I definitely wouldn't be here if that was the case, would I?"
United's Upcoming Fixtures
United return to action on Tuesday evening when they host AS Roma in the Champions League (8pm kick-off), before facing Aston Villa in the Premier League the following Sunday (4.30pm), ahead of the season's second international break.
