Michael Carrick has hit back at Gary Neville's damning "pathetic" verdict on Manchester United, insisting the club don't deserve such a harsh label — while conceding there's plenty of room for improvement.
According to BBC News, Carrick, a former United midfielder now managing Middlesbrough, was responding to comments from his old team-mate Neville criticising the current state of affairs at Old Trafford. Carrick pushed back on the severity of the description, but acknowledged United need to raise their standards to silence the growing chorus of criticism.
The exchange highlights the mounting scrutiny United continue to face from former players and pundits as the club strives to close the gap on the Premier League's elite once more.