Manchester United intervene to avoid Carrick–Keane studio clash before derby

WEB DESK: Manchester United officials reportedly stepped in to change the format of a planned Sky Sports interview involving head coach Michael Carrick ahead of the Manchester derby, following recent controversial comments made by pundit Roy Keane.

Sky Sports had proposed conducting a pre-match interview with Carrick inside the studio before kick-off, a setup that would have placed him face to face with Keane. However, the broadcaster instead aired an interview conducted pitchside by Gary Neville, with reports suggesting the change came after intervention from United representatives.

Background to the controversy

The decision followed remarks made by Keane earlier in the week on The Overlap, where he made disparaging comments about Carrick’s wife, Lisa. Keane referenced a social media post from 2014, which had criticised him after he slammed Carrick’s post-match interview following a Champions League defeat. Although the post was deleted at the time, Keane revisited the issue publicly after Carrick’s recent appointment.

Club opts for controlled setting

While Sky Sports still secured access to Carrick before the derby, the interview took place in the Old Trafford tunnel rather than the studio, avoiding a direct interaction with Keane. Neither Sky Sports nor Manchester United publicly commented on the reported change.

Strong start for Carrick amid scrutiny

Carrick’s first match in charge ended in an impressive derby victory over Manchester City, strengthening his early standing as interim manager. Appointed until the end of the season, Carrick has already drawn attention for stabilising performances, though debate continues over United’s reliance on former players in coaching roles, a practice Keane has openly criticised.

Despite the off-field noise, United’s focus remained firmly on the pitch, with Carrick’s opening result offering an encouraging start under intense scrutiny.