The Manchester United manager faced questions about player professionalism, Bruno Fernandes' captaincy and the reaction to last weekend's defeat by Bournemouth, but insisted there was no breakdown in his relationship with the dressing room.
Asked whether he had encountered unprofessional behaviour since returning to the club, Carrick was unequivocal.
“No, I haven't, no.”
When asked about Gary Neville's recent comments questioning the professionalism of some United players, he added: “Gary says a lot of things.”
Carrick was also asked about Fernandes' suitability as captain, following previous comments from former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he had preferred Harry Maguire for the role.
“I don't think it's about comparison opinions to others. He's the captain of our football club, and there's different personalities, there's different characteristics, there's different ways to lead.
“It all comes down to what happens on the football pitch and whether you win or not in the end. So, all the questions get asked, but I understand why you're asking them now, but he cares deeply about this football club and about the team and he's desperate to do well. So, we'll lead that together.”
Carrick backs his players
The manager was particularly keen to reject any suggestion that the recent results had created a separation between himself and the squad.
“It's important, of course it is. Both ways, I think it's important that we have that connection and that's pretty obvious to say for any team. And we have got that, I have to say, we have got that.
“At the moment, it's easy to question a lot of things, and I totally accept why and what it looks like, but I have absolutely no issue in that regard. We need to play better, and we need to show certain things better, but the connection with us is as strong as that.”
Carrick acknowledged that difficult conversations had taken place with the club's hierarchy, including Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, but said those discussions were necessary to move United forward.
“It's not always rosy and nice conversations between anyone, whether that's between me and the players, whether that's between me, Jason, Omar, or the owners. It's the truth, it's the hard truth at times, and it's what we need to move forward.”
He also addressed the reaction at Old Trafford, where supporters had applauded him before directing their frustration towards the players.
“I didn't feel comfortable being in any way, shape, or form a separation from that, that's my group, they're my players, and this is my football club. So we have to all be in it together and that's the supporters included.”
Belief can return quickly
Carrick believes confidence remains recoverable, even after consecutive disappointing performances.
“The beauty about the confidence, it can come back sharpish, and it can come back quickly in one moment, one thing in a game, one win, one result.
“We've seen it before, we've seen it a few months ago. It can come back quickly and that's what keeps you pushing and keeps you believing that it's always that close.”
He finished by reinforcing his commitment to the group.
“I'm right there with them and we'll go through this together.”