‘I’m not offended’ – Carrick unfazed by planned Manchester United fan protests

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has played down concerns over planned fan protests against the club’s ownership ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham, insisting he and his players are not distracted by the growing unrest.

Supporters are expected to demonstrate at Old Trafford before kick-off, continuing long-running opposition to the Glazer family and expressing frustration with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.

The protest follows renewed criticism of the club’s direction despite an encouraging start to Carrick’s interim spell.

United arrive into the weekend buoyed by consecutive league wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, results that have lifted morale after a difficult campaign.

However, fan groups remain vocal about governance issues they believe have contributed to the club’s decline over the past two decades.

Fan anger remains focused on ownership

The Glazer family have faced sustained opposition since completing their leveraged takeover in 2005, a deal that placed significant debt on the club.

Supporters have repeatedly accused the owners of prioritising financial returns over football investment, pointing to the deteriorating condition of Old Trafford and outdated training facilities.

While Ratcliffe’s minority investment was initially welcomed as a potential turning point, frustration has resurfaced following a disappointing 2024-25 season in which United finished 15th and missed out on European qualification. The club also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 1958 Group, one of United’s prominent supporter collectives, has labelled the club a “laughing stock” and accused Ratcliffe of being “complicit” in its struggles, setting the tone for Sunday’s planned protest.

Carrick stresses unity inside the stadium

Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Carrick said he respects the supporters’ right to voice their concerns and does not see the protest as conflicting with recent results.

“I don’t think it connects with the two wins, to be honest,” Carrick said. “I fully respect the supporters. I’m not offended by it or anything, and the players certainly aren’t.”

He added: “Within the stadium, the support we’ve felt has been of the highest level. The connection we’ve had over the last couple of weeks has been pretty special and that’s something we need to keep building on.”

Focus turns to Fulham test

United start the weekend sixth in the table after wins for Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday, sitting two points off the Champions League places.

Fulham, currently seventh, represent a different tactical challenge and could enter the top-four race with victory.