Carrick hits back at Butt's claims: “I wouldn't be at Man United if I didn't want to coach”

Carrick has dismissed comments made this week by former Man United midfielder Nicky Butt, who claimed that the Old Trafford boss had told him he was no longer interested in football management before taking the job.

Speaking this week on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, sponsored by Midnite, Butt said Carrick had remarked in a private conversation before succeeding Amorim: “No, it’s not for me. It’s too tiring, my head is a mess. I would only do it for an important position. The most important position is Man United.”

Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January to replace Amorim, seven months after being sacked by Middlesbrough in his first managerial role. He has since guided Man United to third place in England's top flight.

However, ahead of this weekend’s trip to Leeds United, Carrick insisted: “If that were the case, I certainly wouldn’t be here, would I? As it stands, this is the best job I could have and the best role.”

"I feel truly fortunate to be in this position, which comes with a great deal of responsibility. At the same time, I am determined to make a difference and achieve success here."

“I’m enjoying all of it. I like situations where you face difficulties and have to figure out how to overcome them. I actually enjoy that because it’s part of what drives you towards success.”

"If you're not ready to face these challenges and can't handle difficulties, you'll never become a great manager. We have to solve problems step by step, and I'm enjoying the process."

Carrick will take his team to Elland Road, where Amorim oversaw his final match as manager in January. Carrick insists he is not concerned about his position.

With Man United having won only two of their nine games this season and lost four, pressure is mounting on Carrick ahead of the clash with old rivals Leeds United.

His predecessor, Amorim, was sacked after losing his composure following the match at Elland Road and publicly criticising sporting director Jason Wilcox. However, Carrick is not concerned about his own future.

He said: "I don't think, 'How do I get through this? How do I survive? What do I need to do to protect myself?'"

"That's not important. I really don't see these things as personal. What matters is this club and winning football matches."

"I don't feel that the Leeds United match is a do-or-die game for me right now. I'm really looking forward to it. Ultimately, my strongest feeling is the desire to take this club forward."

"If you want to find negativity, it's always there. But I won't seek it out, nor do I want to feel it."

"I understand the reality and accept where we are now, but I don't feel pessimistic. I'm completely focused on what's best for this club and how we can win—by getting the players to perform at the level we know they're capable of. We still don't think we're far from our target."

"As long as we can turn a few things in our favour, we can move forward quickly."

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