Michael Carrick defends Manchester United squad from Gary Neville barb: 'Gaz says a lot'

Carrick defended his squad against Neville's professionalism criticism ahead of Saturday's must-win Chelsea clash.

Michael Carrick has defended his Manchester United players after Gary Neville suggested some squad members lack professionalism. Neville, speaking on his podcast, claimed certain players were not upholding United's standards, but Carrick dismissed the criticism, saying "Gaz says a lot of things."

Carrick's position has come under intense scrutiny following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, leaving United on an eight-game winless run. However, after crisis talks with club executives, he has been given the chance to turn things around. The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining belief within the squad and acknowledged the need for hard truths to move forward, whether in conversations with players or with executives including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada.

United face Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime in a crucial fixture as they attempt to snap their winless streak.