Carrick was speaking publicly for the first time since an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of the majority of the financial charges brought against them by the Premier League. City have appealed the ruling, leaving the consequences unresolved.
The Manchester United manager admitted the verdict had raised questions for him personally, reflecting his own experience of competing against City during their period of domestic success.
“Difficult to say in many ways. It's thrown up a lot of questions. It's ongoing, and there's only so much I can say,” Carrick said.
“I have my own questions about it because it has affected me personally. We'll have to see how it goes. The sooner it gets sorted for everyone, the better.”
Carrick also spoke about the possibility of United being awarded titles if the outcome of the case changes City's achievements. He stressed that any retrospective recognition could not recreate the experience of winning on the pitch.
“I think at the moment, it's not finalised. I think I'll hold that one until later on. It's the moment that you strive for. A medal here and there does not bring the feeling back for winning,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2011-12 title race, he added that no eventual decision could restore the emotions of that season.
“You can't take it back, so whichever way this goes, and I don't really want to speak about which way it could go, but whether we did end up getting a trophy, it doesn't change that moment. We can't get it back.”
Carrick called for the process to be resolved as quickly as possible, arguing that everyone needs to know what will happen next.
“Speed is essential,” he said. “There are so many angles, but speed is essential for everybody to be clear, to deal with it, and move on. It's unprecedented to be in this situation at this level.”
Attention must now turn to Tottenham, although United have several fitness concerns. Patrick Dorgu is expected to miss a number of weeks after coming off injured, while Noussair Mazraoui is also struggling to recover from a knock.
Benjamin Sesko will not be available because of his ongoing shin problem. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have returned to some training and will be assessed, while Amad is also working towards a return. Carlos Baleba has been improving through training.
Carrick expects a difficult match against a Tottenham side whose results have not always reflected their performances. He believes their summer recruitment has changed the squad and warned against judging them solely by their points total.
“Points-wise, they have played a lot better than that at times. When you look at the games, they are a very good team with good players,” he said.
Asked about the pressure surrounding the fixture, Carrick played it down: “It's just another game.”
United must manage their injury list while preparing for a difficult opponent, with Carrick seeking answers on the City case but determined to keep his team focused on the immediate challenge.