What Michael Carrick Told Nicky Butt Before Taking Man Utd Job - It's Damning

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Butt has revealed a private conversation he had with Carrick amid Manchester United's struggles.

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Michal Carrick is under serious pressure at Manchester United . The Englishman was given the Man Utd job on a permanent basis this summer after leading the Red Devils to a third-place finish in 2025/26. It was hoped he would lead the club to further success this season.

However, United have endured their worst to a Premier League campaign in 40 years. They have won just one of their opening six league matches, a 5-2 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town at home.

They have drawn against Everton, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, while they suffered a shock defeat to Hull City and were also beaten by fierce rivals Manchester City, despite the Citizens having 10 men for the majority of the game.

With just six points accrued from as many matches, they are currently 13th in the Premier League and already 12 points behind league leaders, City.

Carrick's future has been a big talking point following Man United's 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend. United led 1-0 in stoppage-time against a Spurs side that were reduced to 10 men when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off, but they couldn't hold on as Dominic Solanke netted a late equaliser.

Carrick retains United's backing, but a decision may have to be made should United's form not improve.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and the Football Podcast, Nicky Butt has now revealed a private conversation he had with Carrick before he took the United job.

Butt claims that Carrick, who was unemployed after being sacked by Middlesbrough in 2025, told him that he'd only return to management if United came calling.

> "I was with Michael before he got the United job and speaking to him about management. He went, 'no, it's not for me. It's too much and my head's all over the shop. I'll only do it for the big job and the big job is United'."

He added: "So, because the club's come to him, he's naturally going to go and do it. I think when he's gone through that door, I think he's realised he's gone into a club that's different to the club that he knew and was at.

"But these lads won't turn down Man United. Ole Gunnar wouldn't turn [them down]. Roy Keane might never turn [them down]. When that club comes calling, and you've been at that football club, you don't turn them down."

Paul Scholes, meanwhile, has called United a 'team of bottlers.'

He said: "It's a team of bottlers, really. This is the time where you put yourself in a position to win leagues. I will put money on this team getting to December – when they might be sixth or seventh in the league and struggling in the Champions League.

"All of a sudden they'll start winning because people aren't really that bothered about you anymore. United know they should win a lot of games of football. They've got a lot of very good players.

"But they've got to win when it matters. Now is when it matters. When you get to January, your season is done. You're not going to win anything then. They look vulnerable. They look like any team could beat them."

United return to Champions League action on Tuesday when they face Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

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