Michael Carrick has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Lisa Roughead, since June 2007, and the couple have two children together. The former Manchester United midfielder’s family attracted renewed attention in January 2026 when he emerged as a leading candidate to return to Old Trafford as caretaker manager. Throughout his playing career and subsequent move into coaching, Lisa has remained a steady presence in his personal life, largely choosing to stay away from the public spotlight.
Carrick and Lisa first became close as teenagers growing up in the North East of England. Their relationship has lasted through major football transfers, Premier League triumphs, international tournaments, and the challenges of management. While Carrick is widely recognized for his achievements on the pitch, his wife has maintained a relatively private life while raising their family.
Who Is Michael Carrick’s Wife, Lisa Roughead?
Lisa Roughead is the wife of former England international and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. She grew up in the Tyneside area, where she first met Carrick during their school years.
Unlike many partners of high-profile footballers, Lisa has generally avoided regular media appearances and public interviews. She has instead concentrated on family life and her professional interests.
Lisa has worked as a Pilates instructor in England’s North West, where the couple established their family home during Carrick’s years at Manchester United.
Although she keeps a low profile, Lisa has occasionally appeared alongside her husband at football events, holidays, and celebrations.
Her relationship with Carrick began well before he became one of England’s most successful midfielders.
How Did Michael Carrick and Lisa Roughead Meet?
Michael Carrick and Lisa Roughead met while attending school in the Tyneside area. They reportedly began dating when they were around 15 years old.
At the time, Carrick was developing his football abilities and working toward a professional career.
Their relationship continued as he progressed through the youth football system and eventually moved away from his hometown to pursue opportunities with West Ham United.
Carrick later established himself in the Premier League, moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2004 before joining Manchester United in 2006.
Despite the demands of professional football, the couple maintained their relationship and eventually decided to marry.
Their long history together has remained one of the more enduring personal stories associated with Carrick’s football career.
When Did Michael Carrick Marry Lisa Roughead?
Michael Carrick married Lisa Roughead on June 16, 2007, in Wymondham, Leicestershire.
The wedding took place during an important period in Carrick’s career, shortly after his first season with Manchester United.
Interestingly, their wedding coincided with other high-profile football weddings, including those of John Terry and Toni Poole, and Steven Gerrard and Alex Curran.
The scheduling created difficulties for some guests connected to the football community, as several celebrations took place on the same day.
By then, Carrick had already established himself as an important Manchester United player under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Their marriage continued through his successful years at Old Trafford, his retirement from professional football, and his transition into coaching.
How Many Children Do Michael Carrick and Lisa Roughead Have?
Michael Carrick and Lisa Roughead have two children, a daughter named Louise and a son named Jacey.
The couple have generally kept their children away from unnecessary public attention, although both have occasionally appeared in family photographs.
Their son, Jacey Carrick, has followed his father’s interest in football and joined Manchester United’s youth academy.
His development has attracted attention because of Michael’s successful career with the same club.
Jacey made headlines after progressing through the academy system and earning opportunities at youth level.
However, Michael and Lisa have avoided placing excessive public attention on their children’s personal lives.
Their daughter, Louise, has also remained largely outside the spotlight, with limited information publicly available about her education and interests.
What Does Michael Carrick’s Son Jacey Do?
Jacey Carrick is a young footballer who has been developing his skills within Manchester United’s academy structure.
His connection to the club carries particular significance because his father spent 12 seasons playing for United and became one of its most respected midfielders.
Jacey has progressed through the youth ranks and attracted attention for his involvement with the club’s younger teams.
Although comparisons with his father are understandable, he is still developing his own football career.
Michael’s experience as both a player and coach gives him considerable knowledge of the challenges young footballers face.
The Carrick family has nevertheless maintained a private approach to Jacey’s development rather than regularly discussing his progress publicly.
How Did Lisa Roughead Defend Michael Carrick?
Lisa attracted media attention in February 2014 after publicly defending her husband following Manchester United’s Champions League defeat against Olympiacos.
Former United captain Roy Keane criticized Carrick’s post-match interview, suggesting that the midfielder appeared to lack urgency following the disappointing result.
Lisa responded through social media with a strongly worded message criticizing Keane’s remarks.
Her reaction quickly attracted attention among football supporters and sports journalists.
She subsequently deleted the post, but the incident demonstrated her willingness to defend her husband when she believed criticism had become unfair.
Despite that brief public controversy, Lisa has generally avoided becoming involved in football debates.
Michael Carrick’s Football Career and Family Support
Michael Carrick was born on July 28, 1981, in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear. He began playing football as a child before joining West Ham United’s youth system.
After establishing himself professionally, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur and subsequently signed for Manchester United in 2006.
During his time at Old Trafford, Carrick won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and several other major trophies.
He retired from playing in 2018 and moved into coaching, initially working with Manchester United’s first-team staff.
Carrick later served briefly as caretaker manager in 2021 before becoming Middlesbrough’s head coach in October 2022.
He guided Middlesbrough into the Championship playoffs during his first season but departed the club in June 2025.
Throughout these professional changes, Lisa and their two children have remained an important part of Carrick’s life. The family has continued living in England’s North West, maintaining close connections to the region where he enjoyed his greatest football success.
Michael Carrick and Lisa Roughead’s relationship has now lasted for decades, beginning with a teenage romance and developing into a marriage built around family life. While Carrick’s career continues to attract attention, Lisa has largely maintained the private lifestyle that has characterized their relationship for years.