Michael Carrick: Retrospective medals cannot replace the feeling of winning

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has shared his perspective on the possibility of receiving retrospective Premier League winners' medals following Manchester City's financial rule breaches. Carrick, who played for the Red Devils during the 2011/12 and 2017/18 seasons when United finished as runners-up to their city rivals, admitted that such an award would fail to replicate the emotion of winning on the pitch.

I think regardless of anything, a medal anyway, in any sport in history, I think the later on you get the medal, and it's proven at different times. It's the moment that you strive for - to win and achieve in that moment - so the medal here or there, not getting blasé about it, but that doesn't bring the feeling of when you initially win or you don't win. Michael Carrick

The financial breaches involving Manchester City occurred between 2009 and 2018. While a guilty verdict has been published, specific sanctions remain pending due to the club's formal appeal. Carrick highlighted the necessity for a swift resolution to provide clarity for all clubs involved in the Premier League.

"The sooner it gets sorted I think for everyone's benefit is essential," Carrick noted. "Speed is essential. There's so many angles to look at from so many different perspectives, but really speed is essential for everyone to be clear, to be able to deal with it, to be able to move on whatever happens. It's unprecedented, a unique situation to be in, at this level with such a huge impact in so many ways."