Carrick Insists Manchester United Board Backs Him After Ten Hag Claim 2026

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United's board backs him as manager, despite the club's poor start to the season. Carrick also denied there is a toxic culture at Old Trafford, responding to Erik ten Hag's claim that the environment was toxic during his tenure.

The 45-year-old faces pressure after United's 1-1 draw at Leeds left them 13th in the Premier League with just one win. Their only other success was a 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah last month. Carrick's side travel to Como on Wednesday for their third Champions League game, aiming for a third win of the season in all competitions.

Carrick: 'Why wouldn't I?' feel backed by the board

When asked on Tuesday if he feels backed by the executive, Carrick replied: "Yeah – why wouldn't I? I'm in this position, I have a really good relationship with everybody at the club. We've got to win games of football and that's what we're striving to do."

Despite the poor results, Carrick has not sought reassurance from the hierarchy. "Certainly not. I don't need any reassurance," he said. "It's pretty clear. I know the role, my responsibilities. I know we've got to win football games for everything to flow and everything to fall into place."

His confidence in the board's support contrasts with the experience of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who managed United from April 2022 to October 2024. Ten Hag claimed that the executive did not support him regarding some disciplinary matters during his tenure.

Ten Hag's toxic culture claim and Carrick's denial

Ten Hag's assertion that there was a toxic culture at the club has lingered. Carrick, however, was quick to deny it. "I don't see that," he said. "I've been here a long time and I know the club. I have a really good relationship with everybody."

The denial is significant because it suggests a divide between the current manager's experience and that of his predecessor. Ten Hag's exit followed a period of unrest, and his comments about a lack of support from the executive have been used to question the club's stability under new ownership.

Carrick's response attempts to draw a line under that narrative. By insisting he has a good relationship with everyone at the club, he is signaling that the issues Ten Hag faced are not affecting his own working environment.

Why results are the real pressure point

Carrick's position ultimately depends on results. United have won just once in the Premier League this season, and the draw at Leeds did little to ease concerns. The Champions League win over Sabah remains their only other victory.

Wednesday's trip to Como offers a chance to build momentum. A third win of the season would relieve some pressure and support Carrick's claim that everything is in place to succeed.

But the Premier League table tells a starker story. Sitting 13th after a single win is not acceptable for a club of United's stature, and Carrick knows it. His admission that "we've got to win football games" is the most telling part of his press conference.

What to watch next

Carrick's immediate future hinges on the next few matches. A positive result against Como would help, but the league form is the bigger concern. The board's backing, as Carrick describes it, may be genuine, but it will be tested if results do not improve.

Ten Hag's comments about a toxic culture will also continue to be a talking point. Carrick's denial is a first step, but only sustained success on the pitch will fully quiet the debate. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles.

Key takeaways

• Michael Carrick says he feels backed by Manchester United's board and has a good relationship with everyone at the club.
• Carrick denied Erik ten Hag's claim of a toxic culture at Old Trafford.
• United are 13th in the Premier League with just one win and face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.
• Carrick has not sought reassurance from the hierarchy despite poor results.
• Ten Hag, who managed United from April 2022 to October 2024, claimed the executive did not support him on disciplinary matters.

Comparison: Carrick vs Ten Hag at United