According to a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, October 23, 2026, former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has stressed that the club must always come before any individual, whether a player, manager or another important figure within the organisation.

Carrick made the comments while reflecting on the values and traditions that have shaped Manchester United’s identity, highlighting the contributions of two legendary managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby.

The former England international explained that the club’s history, principles and collective interests should always take priority over personal ambitions, regardless of who is representing the team.

“This club will always be bigger than any individuals, me or the players,” Carrick said.

He also spoke highly of Ferguson, who spent 27 years managing Manchester United between 1986 and 2013. Carrick described the Scot as the greatest manager of all time, pointing to his commitment to putting the club’s interests first throughout his remarkable spell at Old Trafford.

“Sir Alex Ferguson the greatest of all time for me, his priority was Man United,” he added.

Ferguson’s achievements remain unmatched in the club’s history, having guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, alongside several other major honours. His successful reign established a winning culture that continues to influence expectations at the club.

Carrick also paid tribute to Busby, whose influence was central to Manchester United’s development. The legendary manager oversaw the club during two separate periods and played a vital role in rebuilding the team following the tragic Munich air disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight United players.

Reflecting on the courage and determination shown during that challenging period, Carrick insisted that the resilience associated with Busby’s era must never disappear from the club.

“Sir Matt Busby and the resilience they showed was beyond belief. You can’t lose that and I won’t let us lose it,” he said.

Busby’s rebuilding project eventually produced one of the greatest moments in Manchester United’s history. In 1968, the club defeated Benfica 4-1 at Wembley to become the first English side to win the European Cup.

Carrick’s comments underline his desire to protect the traditions and values that have defined Manchester United across generations. By recognising the legacies of Ferguson and Busby, he highlighted the importance of preserving the club’s history, unity and fighting spirit.

His central message is that Manchester United must always remain bigger than the individuals who represent it, with its identity and long-term interests taking priority over changes in personnel or circumstances.