Michael Carrick is putting together a compelling case to be named Manchester United’s next permanent head coach.
After Ineos moved on from Ruben Amorim, many sources reported that an interim coach would take over for the rest of the season, with a full-time appointment expected in the summer.
Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was considered the favourite at first, it was Carrick who ended up taking the interim job. Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham made it four wins in a row under his leadership.
Despite Gary Neville saying Carrick should not stay and Roy Keane voicing similar doubts, many supporters are behind him, impressed by how well the team has been playing recently.
The feeling inside the dressing room seems just as positive. The players appear to be enjoying their time under the 44-year-old manager and responding well to his approach.
Manchester United players back Michael Carrick’s bid to stay on
The English head coach made an immediate impact by winning the Manchester derby in his first match, and the reaction from players after the match was telling.
Lisandro Martinez praised Carrick’s influence after that game, later adding he would “run through a wall” for him because of the way he had connected with the squad.
A week later, following a draw against Arsenal, Harry Maguire highlighted how much had changed under Carrick and his staff behind the scenes.
“Michael has come in, and he’s been brilliant with us. He’s brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised,” the centre-back said.
Diogo Dalot followed that up by expressing confidence in both Carrick and Ineos for making what he saw as a smart appointment.
More recently, after the 2-0 win over Tottenham, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes both spoke positively about Carrick’s influence.
“He’s made lots of differences. But for me, the biggest one is he knows the club, and he knows exactly what’s needed to win football matches, to make everyone happy and to enjoy what we’re doing,” Shaw told talkSPORT.
Fernandes added: “I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility, but also some freedom to take the responsibility on the pitch during the decisions that are needed.
“He’s very good with the words and I think he still remembers when I told him last time he was our manager, for our last game and I was sure Michael could be a great manager – now he is showing it.”
Man United’s senior players backing Michael Carrick
Fernandes, Shaw, Martinez, Maguire and Dalot have all shown support for the idea of Carrick staying on as head coach. That is five of the club’s most experienced voices backing him without any prompting.
While it might be too soon to say he should definitely get the job full-time, it is hard to ignore what he has done so far. And if this form continues, Ineos may have a tough call on their hands.
Plenty of big names are being linked with the role – around 12 at last count – but moving away from Carrick now could end up feeling like a step backwards if things keep heading in the right direction.
The Red Devils are playing well again, looking more like themselves than they have in some time. It might be wise for Ineos to take that into account before making any final decisions.
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