Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
Carrick backs Manchester United players after criticism of their professionalism
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick rejected claims his players were unprofessional after former teammate Gary Neville criticised their habits.
United have gone eight games without a win and sit 16th in the 20-team league, one point above the relegation zone.
After a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, fans applauded Carrick but booed the players.
Carrick told the players he stands with them and said the team, club and supporters must face the difficult period together.
He also said he had hard conversations with players and club leaders about what must change.
United have kept Carrick in his job for now, giving him time to try to turn the season around.
Their next test is Saturday’s game at Chelsea.
Michael Carrick rejected claims that Manchester United players have been unprofessional and said he would stand by them.
The comments followed criticism from former United player Gary Neville about some players’ sleep and diet.
United have not won in their past eight games and are 16th in the league, one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick said he had told the players they were all in it together after a difficult meeting.
United are due to play Chelsea on Saturday as Carrick tries to turn the season around.
- Who
- Michael Carrick and Manchester United’s players. Gary Neville criticised some players’ professionalism.
- What
- Carrick rejected the criticism and said he stood by his players.
- When
- Published on 30 October 2026, ahead of United’s Saturday game at Chelsea.
- Where
- Manchester United; the club’s next game is at Chelsea.
- Why
- United are struggling, have not won in eight games and are facing criticism after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Michael Carrick
Gary Neville
Players’ professionalism
Michael Carrick
Carrick said he had not encountered the unprofessional behaviour alleged.
Gary Neville
Neville said some players did not go to bed at the right time or eat the right things.
Manchester United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth, and supporters booed the players after cheering Carrick.
Carrick met with the players when they returned to Carrington and discussed the backlash from fans.
Neville questioned some players’ professionalism on his podcast.
Manchester United are due to play Chelsea.
- Recent run
- No wins in eight games
- League position
- 16th of 20, one point above the relegation zone
- Defeat
- 3-0 against Bournemouth
- Next fixture
- Chelsea, Saturday
- Meeting
- Carrick spoke with players at Carrington on Tuesday
3 sources
Michael Carrick hits back at Gary Neville after his former Man United team-mate accused players of being unprofessional - and opens up on crunch meeting with struggling stars
Carrick tells players ‘hard truth’ in attempt to turn Manchester United’s season around
Michael Carrick explains ‘hard truth’ being shared at Man United
What people are saying
No, I haven’t. Gaz says a lot things!
I’m with the players 100% and we’re all in it together.
It’s the truth, it’s the hard truth at times and it’s what we need to move forward.
There’s a few of them that don’t go to bed at the right time. Don’t eat the right things.