Manchester United hero Michael Carrick has opened up on talks with Ed Woodward ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League match with Villarreal. The Red Devils go into the game looking to bounce back after being thumped by Watford on Saturday. And they’ll enter the field of play less than 72 hours on from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
United chose to relieve Solskjaer of his duties on Sunday, with the decision coming less than a day after they’d been thrashed by Watford at Vicarage Road.
It was then announced Carrick would take charge on a caretaker basis, until an interim manager is found.
And, now, the United legend has opened up on how his new role came about – revealing he spoke to both Woodward and Solskjaer before deciding to give it a go.
“I found out yesterday morning at the training ground, didn’t know anything before then,” he said.
“I spoke to Ed, spoke to Ole. It was a bit of a rush to organise training and speak to players but it went really well all things considered. Every dealt with it in a classy manner.
“It is just about me preparing for tomorrow as best as we can. Players will be in good place heading into game we will make sure of that.”
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“We could sit and talk through all certain things,” he added when asked why United’s season hadn’t gone well.
“Not the time to look back now, know what I could have done in my own mind better.
“It’s easy to look elsewhere, as a player I was exactly the same.
“For me what’s next is a flight to Spain and preparing for tomorrow.”
On his team selection, he said: “We will have to wait and see really.
“I worked with Ole closely, similair beliefs as a coach and manager. Got my own personality but it is very similar because that is why we worked together. I’m not giving my plans away but I am very clear in my own mind.”
Carrick isn’t underestimating Villarreal, either, acknowledging the talent they possess under Unai Emery.
“They are a very good team, well organised, well coached. Two different games,” he said.
“The final we played very well, stopped them for long periods but no cutting edge. Manner of the lose hurt but got to say we weren’t good enough on the night.
“Other game. They have good technical players, speed, penetration. They have a good mix, good balance. We respect that.
“We will be going there with a plan to come out on top. A big game for both teams but one we can go and look forward to.”