As the full-time whistle rang around Old Trafford and confirmed Manchester United's embarrassing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, many would've expected United's manager, Michael Carrick, to be the focal point of the fans' frustrations.

But instead, the iconic stadium erupted into song, serenading Carrick with their 'It's Carrick, You Know' chant, despite it being United's eighth game in a row without a win.

It's one of the best-loved chants of the modern era, first sung for Carrick the midfielder, more than a decade ago, and revived for his managerial reign at the club. But what are the lyrics for the chant and where did it come from?

'It's Carrick You Know' Lyrics

The beloved chant is sang to the tune of Pilot's 1974 hit 'Magic', repeating the catchy chorus with the lyrics adapted to pay homage to two of the club's most influential midfielders. The chant praises Carrick by comparing him to Paul Scholes, who is widely regarded as one of the best English midfielders of all-time, particularly due to his incredible range of passing.

'Magic' was first written by David Paton and Billy Lyall, both of whom were members of Scottish band, Pilot. Released as their breakthrough single in 1974, the tune peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles chart and No. 5 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also covered by Selena Gomez in 2009.

What is the Story Behind the Chant?

The chant originally hit the terraces during the 2012/13 season, some six years after Carrick moved to Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur. With Scholes in his mid-to-late 30s, Carrick quietly became one of the most influential players in the side, mimicking Scholes' passing ability and the way in which he would dictate the tempo of the game.

Carrick even references the tune in his autobiography, 'Between the Lines', saying that a visit to QPR's Loftus Road in February 2013 was the first time he became aware of the chant and calling it a moment he would never forget.

It's not difficult to see why Carrick gained a strong rapport with the Manchester United fans, having already won four Premier League titles by the time the tune became a mainstay in the Old Trafford songbook, as well as playing a part in United's successful 2007/08 Champions League campaign.

By the time he retired at the club in 2018, Carrick had amassed over 450 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, before returning to the club as interim manager in January 2026 following a period of instability during Ruben Amorim's time at the club.

Having secured Champions League qualification, it seemed as though the 2026/27 season would be a turning point for Manchester United, but a poor start to their domestic and European seasons cast doubts over the club legend's position as head coach, with Rio Ferdinand having already named two managers he would appoint if Carrick was sacked.