Butt made the remarks on his podcast, *The Good, The Bad & The Football*, recalling a discussion with Carrick before the latter took charge at Old Trafford.
“I was with Michael before he got the Man United job and spoke to him about management,” Butt said.
“He went, ‘No it's not for me, it's too much. My head's all over the show. I'd only do it for the big job. The big job is Man United.’”
According to the Daily Mail, people at United were bemused by Butt’s decision to disclose the conversation and questioned why he had not spoken about it last season, when Carrick’s spell in charge produced a strong run of results.
Carrick was appointed interim manager in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure and subsequently earned the permanent role. He guided United to third place in the Premier League during the second half of last season, securing a two-year contract.
The current campaign has been more difficult. United have struggled for consistency and were 13th after winning just one of their opening six league matches, placing Carrick under pressure early in his permanent tenure.
Butt, who played for United between 1992 and 2004, has regularly offered strong opinions about his former club alongside fellow ex-midfielder Paul Scholes. Their podcast has also attracted criticism for comments about current players and Carrick’s tactical decisions.
Last month, Butt questioned Benjamin Šeško’s suitability as United’s centre-forward, while Scholes challenged the seriousness of the striker’s shin injury.
“We haven't got a number nine other than Sesko, other than Zirkzee, but he's been going, staying, going, staying. And when he does come on, he doesn't look anywhere near a Manchester United number nine,” Butt said.
Scholes added: “How do you injure your shin? Ain't that a broken leg? Can't you just put your shin pads on?”
The pair have also criticised Carrick’s use of Matheus Cunha. Butt argued that deploying the Brazilian centrally reduced his effectiveness, saying: “Playing Cunha as a nine kills him. He's nowhere near the player he is off the side.”
Their comments have added to the scrutiny surrounding United’s difficult start, although Butt’s latest revelation has reportedly caused a separate issue because it involved a conversation Carrick believed was private.
There has been no indication that the disclosure will lead to formal action. The reported frustration centres on Butt’s decision to make the conversation public and the timing of his remarks while Carrick is already facing pressure over results.