Sir Alex Ferguson’s meeting with Michael Carrick that set out expectations for Man Utd boss

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Sir Alex Ferguson ensured Michael Carrick understood the towering standards expected when joining Manchester United . The former United midfielder, who was named the club's interim head coach until the season's end this month, dedicated the final 12 years of his playing days at Old Trafford, proving instrumental in securing 12 major trophies.

His United journey commenced in 2006 when Ferguson secured an £18.6million agreement to lure him from Tottenham Hotspur. Carrick was 25 when he switched to Manchester and had already accumulated considerable experience, amassing 145 Premier League outings with West Ham United and Spurs.

He'd also earned multiple England caps before putting pen to paper. However, with only an Intertoto Cup success with the Hammers to show for his efforts, Carrick was short on silverware – in stark contrast to his new United team-mates at the time.

After becoming a United player, Carrick sat down with Ferguson - a moment he recalled this week whilst speaking to Sky Sports . He acknowledged the conversation highlighted just how elevated United's success expectations truly are.

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Carrick revealed: "He said, 'come in my office for a chat', and I'll never forget, I sat down like this really and was kind of nervous and trying to catch my breath really. I was 25, kind of established, played for England, and I was massively affected by just sitting across from him.

"He said, 'yeah this is Man United son, you'll love it. We do things differently, people expect things differently here and people look at you different when you're at Man United and when you're used to winning. The pressures are different.'

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"I ain't got a clue why I said it and Chelsea had won the league two years in a row and as it was coming out of my mouth, I was trying to stop myself from saying it and I said, 'similar to what Chelsea are going through at the minute.'

"He just stopped me dead and I stopped myself and he just went, 'No son, we're different, we're Manchester United, we're different from the rest.' And I was like, 'why have I just said that, he's not going to play me ever again.'"

The crucial part Carrick played in United's numerous trophy successes shows the influence Ferguson's words had on the Englishman in fostering a champion's mindset. Whilst that was as a player, those qualities may have carried over into his coaching career.

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Last week's display against City earned widespread acclaim , with Wayne Rooney confessing he believed he witnessed "United DNA" in the side Carrick selected. The United legend told BBC Sport: "Obviously, absolutely delighted. I think the team, the spirit, the work-rate, the energy, everything about that team was fantastic today.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.