Manchester United boss Carrick wants swift resolution to Man City verdict

Michael Carrick says the Manchester City verdict leads into an unprecedent situation and hopes a quick and fair solution is found.

Updated : Oct 09, 2026 21:10 IST , London - 3 MINS READ

Carrick was a member of the United team that finished runners-up to City in the Premier League in 2011/12 and 2017/18. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said he has been “personally” affected by Manchester City being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules.

City is appealing against last week’s verdict that it broke financial regulations over a nine season period between 2009 and 2018.

Carrick was a member of the United team that finished runner-up to City in the Premier League in 2011/12 and 2017/18, prompting him to hint he feels aggrieved by the scandal.

In 2012, Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp winner for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season denied United the title and launched their rival’s era of sustained success.

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“I’ve got my own questions about it. It’s affected me personally in different ways over a period of time,” Carrick told reporters on Friday.

“It’s unprecedented, you know, a unique situation to be in this, at this level with such a huge impact in so many ways. So, we all need to know what’s going to happen, really. I think that’s pretty clear.”

The former England midfielder wants a swift resolution to the City appeal, with sanctions if the club fail to overturn the decision including a severe points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League, or even being stripped of its previous titles.

“As the case is going now, I don’t know where that stands and how it’s going to end up. So we’ll just have to wait and see,” Carrick said.

“What I will say, the sooner it gets sorted, I think for everyone’s benefit, is essential.”

Carrick would benefit if United was awarded any titles taken from City after its second-place finishes.

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But the 45-year-old does not believe a belated medal would carry the same significance so long after the drama of each title race has faded.

“I think when you’re in sport, certainly in football, the strive to win and the emotion, the feeling about winning is a lot of it is in the moment,” he said.

“Once that’s done, there’s no getting that back in any direction. That’s the feeling we all crave is coming out on top.

“It’s the moment that you strive for to win and achieve in that moment, so the medal here or there, not getting blasé about it, but that doesn’t bring the feeling of when you initially win or you don’t win. That’s essentially what we’re all in it for.”

Carrick needs a win to stop the focus turning to his own future after United’s poor start to the season.

The Red Devils are languishing in 12th place with one win from five games ahead of Saturday’s clash with bottom-of-the-table Tottenham.

“Just another game. Points-wise, I think Tottenham have played a lot better than it shows at times,” said Carrick, also a former Spurs player.