Sun, 17 May 2026
Sports World News Updated May 17, 2026 · 14:56

Carrick Urges Man Utd Players to Use Ego for Club's Benefit

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick wants players to channel their ego for the club's benefit. He believes elite players need ego to succeed but must use it collectively. The club has turned around its season after Ruben Amorim's dismissal and is close to appointing Carrick permanently. Carrick spoke ahead of the final home game against Nottingham Forest.

Man Utd boss Carrick aims to make players "put their egos into football club"

Manchester, May 17

Ahead of his side's final Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at home, Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has expressed his desire to make his players learn the importance of using their ego for the betterment of their club, noting that succeeding at the top level requires "some sort of ego".

Finishing their Premier League season with a UEFA Champions League spot, it has been quite a turnaround for Manchester United over last few months. Ruben Amorim was removed from the job in January, and the club's former beloved star has turned its fortunes around, building a foundation for what could be something special in the coming years.

The club is also closer to appointing him as club's permanent head coach following positive talks over a proposed two-year contract, according to ESPN.

Speaking ahead of the side's final home game of the season as quoted by Goal.com, he said that elite-level players should have ego to succeed, and he wants to make players channelise their individual pride for the club as a collective.

As per Carrick's philosophy, the ego is something that can be used positively and is a necessity rather than a hindrance.

"The ego is a funny one, actually, because I think to perform at the top, top level, you've got to have some sort of ego. You need, and that could be used in all sorts of different ways, so I think how you use it, really, is the key thing. And I think the part of me, of learning and being here and seeing others, better players than me, dealing with that and sacrificing themselves for the team. I think putting the ego from yourself into the team is important and you've got to have some sort of ego to fight for and be attached to," he said.

Carrick said that ego should not be used in a negative way, but rather it is "essentially a pride in yourself and what you're kind of working towards".

"I think all our egos, which we've got in different ways. I think it is clear to see the spirit, connection and camaraderie that everyone's pulling in one direction, to put their ego into the football club can be quite powerful and we have got to use that," he signed off.

— ANI

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Siddharth J
As a long-time United fan from Bangalore, I've seen so many managers come and go. But Carrick's approach is refreshing - he's not just talking tactics but actually addressing the psychology. The way Rashford and Garnacho have responded shows it's working. Two-year contract sounds perfect, let him build something long-term. 🔴⚪️
(via @SidJ_United)
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Deepak U
Interesting take on ego. But I hope he doesn't go too far with this "player's manager" image - sometimes strong decisions need ego checking. Look at how Sir Alex handled Beckham at boot incident. Still, credit where due: Champions League qualification after that start is impressive for an Indian fan like me who wakes up at 1:30am for matches! 😅
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Neha E
Finally a manager who understands Indian audiences too! Our cricket stars have similar issues with ego (Kohli anyone?). Carrick's point about "pride in working towards something bigger than yourself" - that's like what our IT project managers say! 🤣 But seriously, if he can make United play like they did against Arsenal, sign him up for 5 years!
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Rohit L
I appreciate the philosophy but talk is cheap in football. Let's see if he can maintain this momentum next season when expectations are higher. The real test will be how he handles big egos like Sancho and Antony in the transfer window. For now though, this is the most united (pun intended) I've seen the squad since Fergie retired. 👏
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Ananya R

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