Man Utd ‘launch probe’ as long-standing issue resurfaces for Carrick | Football | Sport
Manchester United have launched an investigation into leaks at the club (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have initiated an internal inquiry to identify how Michael Carrick’s starting line-up for the Manchester derby was leaked online ahead of kick-off. The Red Devils have endured persistent problems with information being disclosed from within the club and have conducted multiple internal investigations previously.
Carrick secured three points in his opening match as interim manager, with Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo scoring at Old Trafford. Team leaks are not a fresh concern for United and have persisted for nearly a decade. Jose Mourinho, who also encountered the issue, publicly referenced it with a remark during a press conference prior to the 2018 FA Cup final.
Carrick has not addressed the matter publicly but is resurfaced last weekend, while Ruben Amorim‘s spell in charge was similarly affected by leaks, causing considerable frustration. According to The Sun, the club have now launched an investigation to uncover the source after the starting XI was accurately posted online several hours before last week’s derby triumph.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Amad and Mbeumo all returned to the first team, whilst Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were relegated to the substitutes’ bench. The decision proved successful, with Carrick deploying Dorgu on the left flank of the attack.
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United controlled proceedings and edged closer to the top four following Liverpool‘s draw with Burnley at the weekend. This isn’t the first occasion the club has investigated the origin of these leaks. The Red Devils reportedly initiated an investigation in December into how Amorim’s plans to alter his tactical approach became public on the day of their match against Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim also had to deal with leaks from behind the scenes during his time at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
The Mail reported that United were determined to pinpoint whoever was sharing confidential information to prevent such incidents recurring. A club spokesperson refused to comment.United were also said to be ‘livid’ in September after claims emerged that Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes was ‘dissatisfied’.
The club’s starting eleven was also disclosed well in advance of the Manchester derby in December 2024. At the time, Amorim said: “I know that story. I don’t know, I think it’s impossible to fix nowadays because you have a lot of people in the club, the players talk with agents.
“I don’t know, you can talk with friends, so it’s hard to know. It’s not a good thing, but let’s move on and go to the next one and see if they find the next starting XI.”
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Numerous other stories emerged last season, including those concerning squad problems and team news, with United’s senior leadership taking measures to trace the source of the leaks within the organisation. Previous managerial spells at Old Trafford, under Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Mourinho, were likewise affected by leaks.
Whilst this clearly poses a significant issue at United, Carrick’s attention will now turn to preparing his squad for the Premier League fixture against Arsenal. Discussing the forthcoming test, United’s caretaker manager said: “I am looking forward to the game. It’s a big challenge. They are a very good team. It is pretty obvious to say that, they have so many strong points to their game. It is a big challenge.
“They are where they are for a reason in the Champions League, we are fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all. We feel we are in a good place and we go there looking forward to the game. It is where we want to be; we want to be positive with that energy and enthusiasm, but we know it is not going to be easy.
“We have got our ideas on what needs to be done and how we need to get there. Credit to Arsenal, they are in a really strong place for building a squad and recruitment. Mikel takes credit for that, he has done a fantastic job. We have our own ideas on what we need to do and what it is going to take get there and that is what we are working towards.”
