Nicky Butt: Michael Carrick Considered Quitting Before Manchester United Job
Nicky Butt revealed that Michael Carrick considered quitting coaching before taking the Manchester United job. As United struggles domestically, Paul Scholes heavily criticized the squad.
Michael Carrick led Manchester United to the Champions League last season and earned a two-year contract, but it turns out that just before taking the managerial role at Old Trafford, he seriously considered quitting coaching altogether. This revelation came from Nicky Butt, his close friend and former teammate, who shared details of a surprising conversation they had before Carrick took over in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Doubts Before the Big Job
"I was with Michael before he got the United job and we were talking about coaching," Butt revealed on 'The Good, The Bad & The Football' podcast. "He told me: 'No, this is not for me. It's too much and my head is completely scrambled. I'll only do it for the big job, and the big job is Manchester United'."
Carrick, 45, indeed got the opportunity he was waiting for, initially appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season. After successfully guiding United to a Champions League spot, he won the board's backing and a new two-year deal. However, just months after his permanent appointment, the pressure is mounting amid a historically disappointing start to the new campaign.
A Difficult Start and Scholes' Criticism
"This is a group of losers, honestly. This is the exact stage of the season where you need to put yourself in a position to fight for the title," said Paul Scholes.
United has recorded its worst domestic start in 40 years, managing only a single victory in the Premier League. Last Saturday, they dropped points again, allowing Tottenham to salvage a draw with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer.
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes launched a scathing attack on the players during the same podcast appearance. Scholes predicted that the team would finish sixth or seventh and struggle in Europe, slamming the squad's mentality and vulnerability.
Looking Ahead in Europe
Carrick will attempt to halt the slump when Manchester United faces Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. However, he faces significant squad issues heading into the fixture, with Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw unavailable for selection.