Michael Carrick has admitted that the most painful moment of his playing career took him two years to recover from. The dependable and often underrated Manchester United midfielder recalls the 2009 Champions League final at the Stadio Olimpico, where a seemingly harmless header went awry. The ball was loose but not reckless; yet Barcelona, at the peak of their dominance, capitalized immediately. Andres Iniesta carried the ball from the center circle, feeding Samuel Eto’o to score past Edwin van der Sar, giving United an early deficit. Lionel Messi later doubled the advantage, leaving United outplayed by Pep Guardiola’s stylish side and stripping them of their European crown.
Despite winning the Champions League with United in 2008 and collecting 18 major trophies over 464 appearances, Carrick described that evening in Rome as the lowest point of his career. Speaking to The Times in 2018, he said, “It was the biggest low of my career by quite some way, and I don’t really know why. I felt I’d let myself down in the most important game of my career. The fact I had won the Champions League the year before was irrelevant.” For two years after that night, the normally resilient Carrick struggled with depression, unable to discuss it openly with friends, family, or teammates.
Carrick revealed that the depression became most acute during England’s disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa. “It was my dream to be at a World Cup, but the truth is I didn’t want to be there. I wanted to be at home,” he admitted. It wasn’t until United’s Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea in April 2011 that he began to feel like himself again. Only his parents, brother Graeme, and wife Lisa knew the full extent of his struggles. “It’s not something that’s really spoken about in football. I have not spoken about it before. For the lads I have played with, this will be the first time they know,” he said.
Carrick’s honesty and professionalism have always marked him out, earning respect both on and off the pitch. Now 44, he is preparing to take charge of Manchester United as caretaker manager until the end of the season, following a disappointing campaign that has already seen the club exit the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and fall behind in the Premier League. He is no stranger to this kind of responsibility, having previously managed United temporarily after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 2021 departure and before Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
Carrick’s coaching journey began in earnest when Jose Mourinho offered him a role in the backroom staff following Louis van Gaal’s exit. This came shortly after Carrick underwent a secret procedure for an irregular heart rhythm. Mourinho allowed him time to recover and later promoted him to assistant coach alongside Kieran McKenna. Carrick has described this experience as “gold dust,” and he continued to build his coaching credentials under Solskjaer.
As a caretaker manager, he has already worked closely with several members of United’s current squad, including Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, and Tom Heaton. Carrick has been particularly effusive in praising Fernandes, highlighting his commitment, desire to improve, and willingness to step up in key moments. “He asks questions, he’s demanding, but he wants to do the right thing,” Carrick said in an interview.
Carrick has also faced criticism, notably from Roy Keane, during his caretaker spell. After United’s draw with Chelsea, Carrick expressed pride in the players, prompting a rebuke from the former United captain, to which Carrick’s wife Lisa fiercely defended him. Married in 2007, Carrick and Lisa have two children, including Jacey, who plays for United’s youth team alongside Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai. Lisa also serves as vice chair for the Michael Carrick Foundation, which aims to create opportunities for young people in Greater Manchester and the North East. Carrick has donated proceeds from his autobiography, in which he candidly discussed his battle with depression, to the foundation.
Carrick also had a memorable managerial spell at Middlesbrough, taking over in October 2022 with the club in relegation trouble. He guided the team to eight wins in nine games and reached the play-offs, implementing an attacking 4-2-3-1 system and energizing a low-confidence squad. He also led Boro to the League Cup semi-finals, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg. Despite being sacked after finishing 10th, his tenure is remembered positively for the progress made and the strong team culture he fostered.