Michael Carrick made feelings on Liverpool perfectly clear during bitter sideline spat

The new Manchester United interim head coach already has experience games against Liverpool from the dugout, and even angered some during a 2020 encounter at Anfield

Michael Carrick was involved in a heated exchange with Liverpool in 2020(Image: )

Michael Carrick has been confirmed as the latest man at the helm at Manchester United as the former midfielder is tasked with the unenviable job of overseeing the remainder of the Red Devils’ Premier League campaign.

The 44-year-old has been appointed as the interim head coach until the summer, when United will then announce a new permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim ahead of the 2026-27 season.

There are echoes of the transition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Erik ten Hag, when Ralf Rangnick oversaw a chaotic interim period that included a bruising 4-0 loss at Anfield in April 2022. Liverpool also memorably won the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford 5-0.

Carrick will hope his tenure is more successful, with United next hosting the Premier League champions in May.

Given United’s FA Cup exit last weekend, there is no chance of England’s two great clubs meeting in a cup competition later in the season.

The league encounter will represent Carrick’s only meeting with Liverpool, but it will not be his first experience of the fixture from the dugout.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United star was also part of Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer’s coaching teams during their stints as manager.

Carrick was involved in an argument with Liverpool fans in 2020(Image: )

He even clashed with Liverpool supporters during a trip to Anfield in 2020. Liverpool won, 2-0, en route to claiming the title, and United was left frustrated that the hosts were awarded a corner in the first period.

Carrick remonstrated with fourth official Jon Moss before turning his ire on the home fans. He was pictured pointing and shouting in the direction of supporters behind the dugout. Given he spent 12 years as a player at United, there is certainly no love lost between the current United interim and Liverpool supporters.

After the news was confirmed on Monday, Carrick told the club’s website: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.

Carrick was part of Solskjaer's coaching team(Image: )

“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.

“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”