Carrick speaks up as United face Fulham: protests, progress, and Premier League questions
1 February 2026
Protests won’t derail United’s bid for consistency
Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick said he is not bothered by the planned protests by the club’s fans before Sunday's match with Fulham, stressing that the show must go on and the players are focused on securing a third consecutive win under his guidance.
Carrick's start lifts United amid ownership backdrop
Carrick took charge after Ruben Amorim's appointment until the end of the season, and he began with a strong run, beating Manchester City at Old Trafford and then Arsenal, which puts United in the mix for a Champions League place next season.
Protests continue as ownership questions persist
The demonstration is led by the 1958 The group and aimed at the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with more than 6,000 supporters expected to march before kickoff, reflecting deep frustration at ownership decisions amid rising debt.
Carrick defends fan expression and looks to the future
Carrick, cited by The Mirror, said he fully respects fans' right to express themselves, noting that it does not impact the team, and that players have given their support and belief in the direction of the club. He added that on-pitch performance has remained strong and that communication over the past two weeks has been constructive for both sides.
Forward-looking questions and possible permanency
With 15 games left, questions linger about whether Carrick could take the job on a permanent basis if results continue to improve, even though the initial plan was to hire another coach in the summer. The club remains hungry for stability and progress as the season advances.
Punchline 1: If Carrick keeps this up, his tactical genius might require less chalk and more comedy—the crowd might demand a standing ovation for the coaching and the jokes.
Punchline 2: If the owners actually listen to the fans, maybe the Glazers will finally hire a chief listener—preferably one who doesn’t inflate the transfer budget every window.
