Michael Carrick’s Wife Lisa Back in Spotlight as Roy Keane Reignites Old Feud

Long-Standing Tension Resurfaces

Michael Carrick was appointed as Manchester United head coach on Tuesday (January 13), following Ruben Amorim’s sacking on January 5. The announcement brought renewed attention not just to the former midfielder’s managerial credentials, but also to a decade-old dispute involving his wife, Lisa Roughead.

Over 11 years on, Roy Keane could not help but aim another dig at the now-United head coach’s wife, quipping: “His wife can always come in [if Carrick doesn’t do well], ’cause she’s got a bit of a big mouth sometimes”. The comment, made during the Stick to Football podcast, has reignited public interest in the relationship between the Carrick family and the outspoken former United captain.

The Origins of the 2014 Dispute

The feud dates back to February 2014, when Manchester United suffered a disappointing Champions League defeat. Following United’s 2-0 defeat away at Olympiacos in the Champions League, Keane criticised Carrick’s post-match interview as well as his performance, describing both as “flat”. Carrick’s wife Lisa, then posted on Twitter and wrote: “Roy Keane what a ****, says anything to provoke a reaction”.

The tweet was swiftly deleted, with Lisa apologising for the remark. The incident appeared to be forgotten until Keane’s recent comments brought it back into public discourse, demonstrating that some grievances in football circles have long memories.

Lisa Carrick: More Than a Supportive Spouse

Michael Carrick married pilates instructor Lisa Roughead on June 16, 2007, in Wymondham, Leicestershire, the couple first met at school in Tyneside. The couple share two children together, a daughter named Louise and a son called Jacey.

Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Lisa played a significant role in founding the Michael Carrick Foundation, where she serves as the Vice Chair alongside her husband. The foundation focuses on education, health, and community engagement, working with disadvantaged youngsters across Greater Manchester and Tyne and Wear.

She typically avoids public attention and runs the Michael Carrick Foundation supporting disadvantaged youngsters, preferring to let her work speak for itself rather than seeking media visibility.

Significance for Manchester United Supporters

Michael Carrick will begin his interim role at Manchester United this weekend, facing into the daunting task of a derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. It is a difficult first game in charge for the Englishman, who is set to lead United for the remainder of the season.

While Keane’s comments have generated headlines, they also highlight the intense scrutiny that surrounds Manchester United appointments. The resurfacing of this old feud serves as a reminder of the passionate, sometimes contentious relationships that exist within the club’s extended family of former players and their families. For Lisa Carrick, it’s an unwelcome return to the spotlight at a time when her husband faces one of the biggest challenges of his managerial career.