Michael Carrick has singled out an important theme in the Manchester United first-team squad ahead of the Red Devils’ forthcoming encounter with Sunderland.
Manchester United will travel to the Stadium of Light for their next Premier League match, with Michael Carrick in the tail end of his interim head coach reign.
Carrick ensured the Red Devils’ return to the Champions League for the 2026-27 campaign after Man Utd defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the Premier League last week.
Man Utd’s win over Liverpool was the third consecutive Premier League victory for the Red Devils under Carrick ahead of their final three matches this season.
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Michael Carrick on the togetherness that he has seen in the Man Utd first-team squad
The Red Devils are keen to ensure they finish third in the Premier League table this season, with United currently six points clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Carrick has rotated through the different United first-team players at times, but the 44-year-old interim boss has mainly stuck to a consistent starting XI in his reign.
The United legend held his pre-match press conference at the Carrington training complex on Thursday ahead of the Red Devils visiting the Stadium of Light.
Carrick was asked about his desire to provide minutes to the players who have lacked football this season and the interim boss highlighted the unity in the squad.
“I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“Yeah, some have played a lot more than others and I understand, from a professional and a playing point of view, it can be difficult, but the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly to each other, is great to see.”
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Carrick admitted that he is aware of giving more players an opportunity to play in the final three Premier League matches in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
“It’s what we need within the group and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked,” he added.
“It’s the balance that we’ve had to make the most of, really. So yeah, coming into these games, it’s something we’re aware of.
“I think it’s something that we’re really keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well, though. But yeah, it’s definitely something to be aware of.”
Sunderland and Man Utd’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light is slated for a 3pm UK time.
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