Michael Carrick – Next Manchester United Manager?

Manchester United are a curious case. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, many have tried to continue his great legacy, but they have invariably fallen short.

Now, Michael Carrick, after a dream start as interim boss, appears to be the frontrunner to become the next permanent Red Devils manager. While he may not be a big name like Carlo Ancelotti or Luis Enrique, Carrick has certainly impressed and put United back on track.

Is he the right man to lead United forward? We have assessed his credentials and what he brings to the table.

The nature of DNA and identity is something that is continually levelled at United, especially when discussing their malaise over the past decade or so.

Although Jose Mourinho claimed that one of his greatest achievements as a manager was finishing runners-up with the Red Devils in 2018, Carrick has instilled a sense of belief and purpose in his side.

Under Ferguson, for example, United were renowned for bold, attacking play, and they were often rewarded for their bravery by netting late goals. Carrick has tried to restore some of Fergie’s philosophy, and his side have been more structured in their approach to games.

According to many of the top online bookies, United are primed for a top-four finish. Indeed, William Hill have placed the Red Devils at a short-looking 1.13 to claim a Champions League spot, and that will have exceeded many expectations before the start of the campaign.

Although Carrick had a daunting run of games when he assumed the United hotseat, he has handled things with aplomb. A 2-0 win over Manchester City was a great way to kick off his interim spell, and frankly, he hasn’t looked back since.

At the time of writing, Carrick has won seven and lost just one of his nine league games in charge. If you take into account his first short stint in the United hotseat, only three managers – Sven Goran Eriksson, Ancelotti, and Manuel Pellegrini have surpassed Carrick’s records of six straight home league wins, and that is elevated company.

Nevertheless, rather than adhering to blueprints of his predecessors, where playing sideways and being tepid in possession was United’s style, Carrick has infused a sense of urgency. Of course, if United were to finish in the top four, Carrick would have to adjust to handling two games a week, which would be a new challenge.

In recent years, Premier League clubs have tried to adopt a continental approach of promoting from within. Take a look at Keith Andrews, for example, at Brentford. Previously the Bees’ set-piece coach, Andrews took over the head coach position last summer, and his side have defied expectations.

There have been plenty of names bandied about in terms of finding the right person to take United into a new era. You only have to look at Tottenham, who have appointed many world-class managers, such as Antonio Conte and Mourinho, but success has frequently proved elusive.

Rather than going for a scatter gun approach, United have to bide their time to get the head coach that aligns with their ambitions. 

United chiefs, it is thought, are examining all potential avenues, and it could be a few months before a decision is made. However, ex-United striker Wayne Rooney is in no doubt that Carrick should land the job.

Talking on his own podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: