Michael Carrick batted off suggestions Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s remarks around immigration in the UK have had a negative impact on the Manchester United squad.
There were claims the comments would not go down well with United’s multi-cultural squad but Carrick has hinted it has not had much of an effect.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s trip to Everton, he said: “We have got a really strong group whether that is the players and the staff and around the club, I think we are in constant communication anyway and speak to each other and help each other.
“The boys have been in really good spirits this week. They had time away, it was time for a refresh and to digest everything and focus on what is next.
“We are looking forward to the next game. We are here to help each other and support each other.”
Carrick: I am proud of what Manchester United stands for
United released a statement in the aftermath of Ratcliffe’s outburst, highlighting the club’s diversity and global reach.
Carrick added: “Part of being at this club is we understand what it is like globally and the responsibilities we have. I can only speak from my experiences, I have been here for a long time with various managers, various staff, all backgrounds, different backgrounds and it is something I am fully aware of. I am proud of what the clubs stands for.”
Due to their early exit from the FA Cup, United have not played since the 1-1 draw at West Ham on February 10.
Carrick’s arrival as interim boss to replace Ruben Amorim came at an intense time and the former United midfielder revealed he had given his players a bit of a break to recharge.
“We tried to make it useful, the break we had,” he said. “When there is change [in manager] and the month we had together, it was important to have a couple of days to digest that.
“We trained a bit, had a few days break, trained a bit, tried to get the balance right and moving forward, the fixtures have thrown up a mixture of gaps between games so it is just adjusting and adapting to that.”
Everton have always been tough opponents
United, who start the weekend in fourth place, will make their first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday to face former boss David Moyes.
“David’s teams are hard to play against. He is such a good manager and knows what it takes to have success in this league,” said Carrick.
“It is a new challenge for us. It is going to take a lot, going away, new stadium, but historically always been tough, one of the toughest I have played away from home.
“Trying to play the best way we can. We have got a good base and foundation and spirit. We will have to draw on all of that Monday night.”
Manchester United’s results under Michael Carrick
January 17 – Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
January 25 – Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
February 1 – Manchester United 3-2 Fulham
