Man United Criticizes Nicky Butt Over Carrick Chat Disclosure

Manchester United have reacted negatively to former player Nicky Butt revealing details of a private discussion with head coach Michael Carrick, as reported by the Daily Mail. The disclosure came while United struggle early in the 2026/27 Premier League season following a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

United have collected six points from their opening six league matches and sit 12th in the Premier League table, according to the reports. Despite speculation involving other managers, the club board is believed to continue backing Carrick.

Butt discussed the conversation on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast with Paul Scholes, saying he spoke with Carrick before Carrick accepted the Manchester United job.

"I was with Michael before he got the Man United job and spoke to him about management." Butt said.

Butt claimed Carrick had previously expressed reluctance about returning to coaching before taking charge at United. The former United midfielder said the discussion involved Carrick's view that only a major opportunity would interest him.

"He went, 'No it's not for me, it's too much. My head's all over the show. I'd only do it for the big job. The big job is Man United.'" Butt said.

The Daily Mail reported that United officials were unhappy with Butt's comments and questioned why the information was shared publicly. The report said the club felt the remarks had been exaggerated.

Reports from Nathan Salt and Chris Wheeler stated that United viewed Butt's comments as "sensationalised" because Carrick and Butt are not close, were never teammates, and have not spent significant time together.

The situation adds to previous criticism involving Butt and Scholes, who had also drawn United's frustration after comments about Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez.