Michael Carrick Fires Back with Devastating Response After Roy Keane's Attack on His Wife
Manchester United's newly named head coach Michael Carrick dismissed critical remarks from Roy Keane and other former players as "completely meaningless."
Carrick's selection to lead the team through the rest of the 2025–26 season has failed to generate much enthusiasm among the numerous ex-United stars working in English football media.
Gary Neville captured the general mood on the latest Stick to Football podcast episode. "There should be no thought that Michael continues in this role after this season," stated Carrick's former colleague.
Keane's issues with this choice traced back to a conflict involving Carrick's spouse, Lisa, nearly 12 years prior.
Roy Keane's Swipe at Carrick's Wife
Roy Keane's Attack on Carrick's Spouse
While Neville evaluated Carrick's managerial qualifications, Keane interrupted with a jab: "His spouse could always step in since she tends to speak her mind quite freely. She's likely handling the pre-match speeches."
The former United skipper, who departed the club eight months prior to Carrick's arrival to take over his No. 16 jersey in summer 2006, had previously clashed with the player's wife following a Champions League match in 2014.
Keane was unimpressed with her husband's performance both on field and in post-match interviews after a 2–0 loss to Olympiacos. "That discussion was as uninspiring as the display: lifeless," the former Republic of Ireland star commented on ITV. "He needs to express more, show greater intensity even during interviews."
Lisa Carrick responded on Twitter post-match: "Roy Keane what a ----, says anything to provoke a reaction." The message was quickly deleted and replaced with: "Removed my tweet... Emotions got the better of me."
Over ten years later, Keane had neither forgotten nor pardoned the incident.
Carrick Emphatically Not Bothered
Carrick Completely Unbothered
It's uncommon to witness Carrick showing strong emotions either way, and his reaction to Keane's harsh criticism was characteristically expressionless. "It didn't affect me," the composed manager stated matter-of-factly.
"They're not adding extra pressure," Carrick continued, referring to the broader group of United pundits all voicing opinions about their former team. "There are numerous viewpoints circulating, some supportive, others less so. It's completely meaningless regarding my priorities.
"Much can be discussed, that's just how things are. I won't give it excessive consideration.
"My focus, along with the players and staff, remains on achieving success."
Keane Slams Carrick's Backroom Staff
Keane Criticizes Carrick's Support Team
Keane's contempt wasn't limited to the Carrick family. The bitter former Sunderland and Ipswich Town boss had grievances with the new coaching staff appointed for the season's remainder. "What qualifications does Jonny Evans possess to coach Man Utd's first team?" Keane raged.
The ex-United defender worked as a loan player coordinator for five months before departing in December. Evans vacationed with Carrick and Wayne Rooney in Barbados during the holidays before returning early to assist Darren Fletcher during his temporary role for United's initial two matches following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. The makeshift team managed draws against Burnley and Brighton.
"Jonny Evans departs Man Utd four or five weeks ago as loans coordinator and then Fletch [Darren Fletcher] offers him a position," Keane raged. "Conveniently gives him a role, oversees two matches, Fletch leaves and Carrick appoints him. Wonderful, right? We should all vacation in Barbados for a week."
Fletcher also couldn't avoid Keane's wrath. "Fletch understands the organization," he mocked. "He operates at youth level. He knows the cafeteria staff. He calls Ferguson asking what footwear to choose each morning. And how did those two matches turn out?"