Carrick Prepares for Challenge Against Spurs After Strong Start

Michael Carrick is set to face Thomas Frank this Saturday, just five months after interviewing the Tottenham Hotspur manager, as he aims to secure a fourth consecutive victory as Manchester United’s head coach.

The 44-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable start to his tenure, achieving notable wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham last Sunday.

Carrick’s next challenge comes from his former club, Spurs, where he will share the touchline with a coach he previously interviewed prior to Frank’s inaugural Champions League match.

Reflecting on the Amazon Prime interview conducted in September, Carrick remarked, “Life certainly can change. I really enjoyed it. We connected well; it was our first meaningful interaction, and we discussed various football-related topics, including processes and ideas. He was very accommodating, and I look forward to seeing him again.”

Thomas Frank took the reins at Spurs last summer after showcasing his talents at Brentford. However, his position was scrutinized during a challenging start to the 2026 season. Recently, though, there has been a modest improvement, highlighted by a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, as Spurs have now gone four games unbeaten across all competitions.

“They certainly bring a challenge,” Carrick acknowledged. “You can see how they concluded their last match. They’ve dealt with injuries and numerous changes to their lineup, which has made things more difficult from their perspective. However, they are starting to regain their key players.

“They possess excellent attackers capable of stretching defenses and frequently attacking the box, which is something we need to be cautious about. This match presents a different dynamic compared to some of our recent encounters, but we are looking forward to it.

“We are currently in a good place, and the team has trained well this week. We need to remain grounded and focused on the challenges ahead, as we have a significant test coming up.”

Last season, Tottenham triumphed in all four encounters against United, including a lackluster Europa League final in Bilbao last May. Carrick is determined to reverse that trend as he faces a side with which he spent two seasons before transferring to Old Trafford in a deal worth £18.6 million ($297 million) in 2006.

In response to a question about his fondness for United, Carrick stated, “It was pretty instant. I have cherished memories of my time at Tottenham, despite it being brief. I learned a lot under Martin Jol’s management during that period. However, joining United represented a significant leap, and I felt that immediately. Once you step into this environment as a player, it transforms you. From my first day in the dressing room and meeting the manager, I knew I belonged here.”