Rio Ferdinand Weighs In On Roy Keane’s Criticism Of Michael Carrick At Manchester United

Former Manchester United full-back Rio Ferdinand has said that the team was the ‘butt of everyone’s joke’ till two weeks back, but ever since Michael Carrick took up the team’s responsibility, adding that Roy Keane’s statement to not retain Carrick despite his performance is disrespectful.

Speaking on Sky Sports after Manchester United’s victory over Arsenal, Keane stated that, regardless of Carrick’s results this season, he doesn’t deserve the managerial role at the club next year.

In a video shared on X, Ferdinand lauded Carrick for the victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, adding that he has instilled proper structure among the footballers.

“Two weeks ago, Man United was in a sorry state of affairs. We were the butt of everyone’s joke.

It was a debacle. What we were looking at. Michael Carrick came in and turned the collars up on his long trench coat, right? And said, listen guys, get behind me and we will put you in a structure,” Ferdinand said.

“People are telling me Michael Carrick shouldn’t get an opportunity to manage Man United”

CC: @rioferdy5, @joelbeya, @MrStephenHowson pic.twitter.com/JSOxi0mYwW

— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) January 25, 2026

“It is gonna actually suit the players that we have. We are going to be hard to play against. We are going to work hard and we are going to be a threat. Guys, my first two games, Man City and Arsenal and he has gone and got six points,” Ferdinand said.

“People are telling me that no matter what Michael Carrick does, he should not get an opportunity to manage Man United, what the f? Where the hell are you? I am like, the disrespect is unbelievable,” Ferdinand added.

Carrick was named Manchester United’s interim manager this month after the sacking of Ruben Amorim. He started his tenure with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City and followed it up with a 3-2 win against Arsenal.