Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge were involved in a heated exchange regarding Michael Carrick’s future with Manchester United. The incident occurred during a Sky Sports punditry segment before Manchester United’s home game against Liverpool.
Sturridge and Keane’s Disagreement
The disagreement between Keane and Sturridge arose while discussing whether Carrick should be appointed as the permanent manager. With Manchester United in third place, there is speculation that Carrick could be given the job on a full-time basis.
Sturridge interrupted Keane during the debate. Keane stated, “They have produced and we go back to the start of his time, beating Man City and Arsenal. That gave a lot of belief and confidence in the group, and what they have shown is that goal threat. They have had their setbacks, up at Newcastle, the Leeds game here, but they have bounced back well. So they obviously have a decent momentum and there is a decent feel in the group. But this is the next test for them today.”
Keane continued, “We mentioned it earlier, I think this will have a big bearing on, if they can get a good result today, whether he gets the job or not. I know you shouldn’t just focus on the one game, but I think the emotional side of it. I think if they can get a good positive performance today, I think that is a big step in him getting the job permanently. There’s a lot of PR, there’s a lot pf push for him. He’s a young English coach, a lot of media onside for him pushing him. The people who work for Man United, the PR machine is working hard to ty and get him in the job.”
Sturridge questioned Keane’s statement about PR, asking, “All right Roy, what PR.” Keane responded, “Do you want me to finish,” prompting Sturridge to say: “You keep saying PR, PR,” before Keane hit back by saying: “There’s a lot of PR toward him, if you just let me finish.”
The exchange concluded with Sturridge saying, “I had to interject, I apologise.”
Neville’s Perspective on Carrick
Gary Neville also shared his thoughts on the matter. He stated, “I’ve been on the record about Michael in terms of whether he should get the job or not. What I would say is, I am unsure. But my gut feeling was, before he got the job, was that Manchester United should go”
The debate took place before the match between Manchester United and Liverpool. A victory for Liverpool would secure their place in the Champions League.