Michael Carrick has shut down speculation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about immigrants have caused division within his Manchester United squad.
Co-owner Ratcliffe caused a stir earlier this month when he claimed the UK had been “colonised by immigrants”.
The comments, which he later publicly apologised for, sparked backlash from Manchester United fan groups and prompted both the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to issue a message condemning the interview.
Speculation also began to swell that players within Carrick’s squad were unhappy with what the co-owner had said.
Speaking on Friday, the Red Devils boss insisted all was fine in the Old Trafford dressing room and he does not expect “constant communication” from above.
Carrick also revealed that Ratcliffe had not spoken to him or his players since his controversial remarks to Sky News.
He said: “We’re definitely all pulling together.
“I think if you’ve been around here, in and around the stadium in the last few weeks, and certainly in this environment (at the training ground) quite closely it’s as clear as it could ever be that we’re pulling together.
Michael Carrick has shut down speculation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about immigrants have caused division within his Manchester United squad
|GETTY
The interim head coach, who will be hoping for a fifth win from six games at Everton on Monday night, added: “The last time I saw Jim was at the Arsenal game, and I’m fine with that.
“I don’t think there’s anything really in terms of constant communication from above that I need in my role.
“My role is to kind of create the environment within the group and obviously lead in terms of the first team and beyond that, obviously in terms of the supporters listening in, that’s part of my role and I’m fully aware of that, but I don’t necessarily need it from above.”
One United player who has seen a resurgence under the new coach has been Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
Jim Ratcliffe apologised over claims Britain is colonised by migrants
| SKYNEWSAdmitting he has been impressed with the 33-year-old’s performances, Carrick said: “Cas has been fantastic since I came in, really, on and off the pitch.
“Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way.
“Being a senior player here there is almost the responsibility of (setting) the example, and helping the younger players, helping the rest of the boys, and passing on your experiences in a positive way.
“He’s been top since I came, in so many ways, and he’s been a pleasure to work with. I look forward to continuing working with him for a few months yet.”
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has seen a resurgence under the new coach
|GETTY
The midfielder, who is set to leave Manchester at the end of the season, has been tipped to play a vital part in United’s push to retain their top-four position in the Premier League, securing a Champions League spot.
Asked if Champions League qualification was now a possibility, Carrick replied: “It’s good that everyone’s asking that question. It shows that we’ve put ourselves in a good position to start with.
“We’re not getting too carried away now all of a sudden after a few weeks. We know where we’re at, we’re in a good position. I’d still like to be in a better position, mind you, but we’re in a good position.
“We’re positive, I think we should be. I think there’s a lot of good things to take and look forward to. But then again, it’s up to us and putting it into play really. It’s possible, it’s up to us to take the opportunity.”