Michael Carrick has downplayed Roy Keane's recent remarks ahead of Manchester United's derby clash with Manchester City. The newly appointed head coach, who is holding the reins for the remainder of the season, addressed Keane's comments, which included a jibe about Carrick's wife, Lisa, potentially being involved in team talks.

Keane's comments, made on the "Stick To Football" podcast, followed Jamie Carragher's suggestion that United shouldn't have appointed Carrick. Keane responded with a remark about Lisa Carrick, referencing a past incident where she criticized Keane on social media in 2014 following United's Champions League loss to Olympiakos.

Carrick, however, brushed off the remark, stating that it didn't bother him. He also dismissed any notion of feeling extra pressure from Keane, Gary Neville, or other former United players who now work as media pundits. "They're not putting more pressure on me, I don't feel that," Carrick stated, emphasizing his focus on the job at hand. He acknowledged the abundance of opinions surrounding the team but said he wouldn't pay too much attention to them.

Carrick stressed the importance of focusing on how to succeed with the players and staff, stating that their job and responsibility is to do everything they can for the club. He said that he and his team are focused on improving and working with the players.

Carrick's appointment comes after a turbulent period at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher briefly taking charge after Ruben Amorim's departure. Carrick's first game as interim head coach is against Manchester City.

Adding to the discussion, Keane had also criticized the appointment of Jonny Evans to the coaching staff, implying Evans may not be ready for such a role and suggesting that Evans's friendship with Carrick may have played a part in his hiring. Keane questioned Evans's qualifications, pointing out that Evans was a loans manager just weeks before being appointed to the first team coaching staff.