Rio Ferdinand has voiced disbelief at what he sees as growing disrespect towards Michael Carrick.
Ferdinand’s reaction came after Carrick delivered immediate results, restoring structure, belief, and momentum at Old Trafford in the most demanding circumstances imaginable.
Rio Ferdinand praises Michael Carrick for the instant Manchester United turnaround
Speaking passionately, Ferdinand highlighted how quickly Carrick stabilised a United side that had been spiralling.
“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 was looking at. Michael Carrick’s come in and turned the collars up on his long, trench coat, right? And said, listen guys, get behind me and we’ll put you in a structure,” Ferdinand said.
Ferdinand pointed to Carrick’s tactical clarity and authority, noting that United immediately became harder to break down and more coherent in possession.
He added: “It’s gonna actually suit the players that we have. We’re going to be hard to play against. We’re going to work hard, and we’re going to be a threat.
“Guys, my first two games – Man City and Arsenal, and he’s gone and got six points.”
Those back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal represented a dramatic shift, not just in results, but in attitude, discipline and belief across the squad.
Why Rio Ferdinand calls the criticism of Carrick ‘unbelievable’
Despite the immediate impact, Ferdinand was stunned to hear suggestions that Carrick should not even be considered for the permanent role.
“People are telling me that no matter what Michael Carrick does, he shouldn’t get an opportunity to manage Man United, what the f___? Where the hell are you? I’m like, the disrespect is unbelievable.
“And someone’s saying, no matter what this person does, right? He doesn’t deserve to be given the keys to Manchester United. On what grounds are you saying that? That’s mad talk,” Ferdinand concluded.
For Ferdinand, the argument is straightforward. Carrick inherited a fractured environment, implemented a clear structure, and delivered against elite opposition immediately.
Whether or not Carrick ultimately lands the job full-time, Ferdinand believes dismissing his credentials outright ignores the evidence that is unfolding in real time on the pitch.
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