Michael Carrick says fan protest will not affect Manchester United players

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick insists this weekend’s fan protest against the owners will not affect his players. 

Carrick will look to maintain his 100 per cent record when his team face Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday. 

United have had a dream start under the English boss, claiming a pair of stunning victories against Manchester City and Arsenal to climb to fourth in the Premier League. 

But despite the recent uptick in form, Sunday’s match will be played against a backdrop of protests. 

United fan group The 1958 are expecting over 6,000 supporters to join their pre-match demonstration against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 

Sir Jim’s INEOS are in charge of football operations since completing a deal to purchase a 27.7 per cent stake in the club. 

But United’s fortunes have not improved under the new ownership, with the club currently around £1.1 billion in debt. 

Carrick insisted the planned protests will not affect the players and he expects the fans to show their full support for the team against Fulham. 

‘It doesn’t affect the team,’ said Carrick. ‘I fully respect the supporters. They’re incredible. They have been for so long and had a lot of ups and some downs as well, but, you know, I’m not offended by it or anything, and the players certainly aren’t.

‘Within the stadium, the support we’ve felt, and that’s been there for all the games that I’ve watched for quite some time, has been of the highest level and I’m sure it will continue to be like that.”

United are expected to face a difficult contest against Fulham, who are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions. 

The Cottagers ran out 2-1 winners in their previous league outing against Brighton & Hove Albion. 

Their recent away record has also been impressive, with Marco Silva’s side taking 10 points from their last five Premier League away matches.