MANCHESTER — Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has insisted that planned fan protests against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not impact his players ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.
A positive atmosphere has returned to the club since Carrick took charge, following an impressive 2–0 derby victory over Manchester City and a dramatic 3–2 win against league leaders Arsenal last weekend. United now aim to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory when they face Fulham at home.
However, the match will be preceded by a demonstration from supporter group The 1958, who plan to protest against the club’s ownership. The Glazers have faced sustained opposition since their takeover in 2005, while Ratcliffe, who became a co-owner in February 2024, is also expected to be targeted.
Carrick played down any potential disruption caused by the protest.
“I don’t think it affects the team at all,” Carrick said. “I have huge respect for the supporters — they’ve been incredible for a long time. The players aren’t offended by it, and neither am I.”
The former United midfielder emphasized that backing inside the stadium has remained strong throughout the season.
“The support we’ve felt inside Old Trafford has been of the highest level. The connection between the team and the fans over the last couple of weeks has been special, and we’ve fed off that energy. That’s something we want to keep building.”
Carrick praised United’s fanbase but avoided revisiting comments from his 2018 autobiography Between the Lines, in which he described the Glazers as “great owners.” Asked whether the club can still succeed under the current ownership, Carrick remained focused on performances on the pitch.
“We’ve had a really good couple of weeks and we’re moving in the right direction. We’re not satisfied — we want to keep progressing. What happens off the pitch isn’t for the players to worry about or let affect results.”
A win over Fulham would see Carrick equal predecessor Ruben Amorim’s best Premier League run of three straight victories, though the United boss warned against complacency.
“It would be completely wrong to assume anything,” Carrick said. “Fulham will be a big challenge. The focus and intensity in training have actually gone up, and that’s exactly what you want to see.”
