Michael Carrick says he has not spoken to Jim Ratcliffe since last month

Michael Carrick has confirmed that he has had no contact with Manchester United’s largest shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, since the pair last met at the Emirates Stadium on 25 January, and revealed that neither he nor his players have received any direct apology or explanation following Ratcliffe’s controversial remarks earlier this month.

Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s football policy, told Sky News on 11 February that the United Kingdom had been “colonised by immigrants”, prompting widespread condemnation. The 73-year-old issued a qualified apology the following day, saying he was sorry “if my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe”, but has not addressed Carrick or the squad privately.

Asked on Friday whether Ratcliffe had reached out to the interim manager or the dressing room, Carrick replied: “Last time I saw Jim was Arsenal, and I’m fine with that. I don’t think there’s anything, in terms of constant communication from above, [for] my role that I need. My role is to create the environment within the group and lead in terms of the first team.”

Carrick, preparing United for Monday night’s Premier League visit of Everton, rejected suggestions that Ratcliffe’s comments had fractured the club’s unity. “We’re definitely all pulling together,” he insisted. “Being around here and being in and around stadiums in the last few weeks, it’s clear [we are] pulling together, pretty strong as a group.”

Since taking interim charge on 13 January, Carrick has placed renewed emphasis on the academy, attending the under-18s’ 3-1 derby victory over Manchester City on 14 February. He credits his own pathway at West Ham, where Harry Redknapp and Frank Lampard Sr ensured first-team staff watched youth fixtures, for shaping that approach. “One of my big experiences was playing in the youth cup,” he recalled. “Frank Lampard Sr came and watched… That is something all those years ago I still remember. It’s that connection… and the history and the traditions here, it’s something I’m passionate about.”