Roy Keane's Feud with Michael Carrick's Wife Reignites After Man Utd Appointment
Roy Keane has reignited a 12-year-old feud with Michael Carrick's wife, Lisa, shortly after Carrick's appointment as Manchester United's interim manager. The former United captain, known for his outspoken nature, criticised Lisa Carrick's past social media comments, describing her as having a "big mouth," which has added tension ahead of a potential awkward reunion on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football coverage.
Historical Row Resurfaces
The dispute dates back over a decade to 2014, when Keane criticised Manchester United's performance following a defeat to Olympiakos. In a post-match interview, Keane described Carrick's comments as "flat," mirroring the team's display on the pitch. Lisa Carrick responded on social media at the time, calling Keane a "****" and accusing him of seeking reactions, though she later deleted the post and admitted emotions had gotten the better of her.
Keane waited 12 years to respond, doing so shortly after Carrick's interim appointment at United, following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. Speaking on The Overlap, Keane remarked, "His wife can always come in [if Carrick doesn't do well], cause she’s got a bit of a big mouth sometimes. She's probably doing the team talk." This comment has reignited the long-standing animosity between the parties.
Awkward Reunion on Sky Sports
Keane is set to be in the Sky Sports studio for Manchester United's showdown with Leeds United, where he could interview Carrick before or after the match. The coverage, led by David Jones and Jamie Carragher, may see an uncomfortable exchange given the history. Despite Carrick's impressive start, with seven wins in his first 10 matches, Keane has been vocal in doubting his suitability for the permanent role, though he has since expressed hope that Carrick gets the job.
Keane's Mixed Messages on Carrick's Future
Keane has sent mixed signals regarding Carrick's prospects at United. Initially, after a 3-2 win over Arsenal, he stated, "Even if they do get into fourth I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not. I still think they need a bigger and better manager." However, in February, on The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, he admitted, "I hope they give it [the permanent job] to him. I hope they give it to him in the summer." He clarified that while he hopes for Carrick's promotion, he believes it might not be the right decision for the club's long-term ambitions.
Carrick's Response to Pundit Noise
Michael Carrick has downplayed the impact of pundit opinions, including Keane's comments. He said, "They're not putting more pressure on me. I don't feel that. There are plenty of opinions around, some positive, some not too much. It's totally irrelevant in terms of what I focus on. There's a lot that can be said, it's the way of the world. I'm not going to pay too much attention to that. For me, the players and staff, we focus on how we're going to succeed." This stance highlights his focus on team performance over external criticism.
Broader Context and Implications
The feud adds a personal layer to the professional dynamics at Manchester United, as Carrick navigates his interim role. Keane's comments reflect broader debates about whether former players with club connections are the best fit for managerial positions. With Carrick's successful start boosting his chances for a permanent role, this ongoing row underscores the intense scrutiny and media attention surrounding one of football's biggest clubs.
