When Michael Carrick was named Manchester United’s head coach on a short-term basis in January, the club made clear it would keep an open mind about the permanent role. But what began as a temporary fix has become the obvious long-term solution.
Rúben Amorim’s spell at Old Trafford had not gone to plan, yet there remained much to play for when Carrick took charge. Under the 44-year-old, United’s season was rescued: what once looked like a remote hope of Champions League qualification has been transformed into a realistic target. If United avoid defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday they will finish third — a position that seemed improbable when Carrick arrived.
United’s originally open-minded search for a new manager quickly narrowed to one candidate. Carrick’s rapid and convincing impact left the club with little alternative. Critics might argue there were other options, but his results and the mood around the squad made him the clear choice.
This outcome had been possible since late January, just 12 days after Carrick replaced Amorim and succeeded former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in interim charge. Early on he had already overseen a win against Manchester City — a result others had also achieved — but it was United’s victory at the Emirates, sealed by Matheus Cunha’s late goal, that first suggested Carrick was bringing something more substantial to the role.
Over the following months Carrick deflected questions about his future: whether he wanted the job permanently, whether he had spoken with the club hierarchy, whether he had been involved in recruitment meetings and how that might affect potential summer signings. Meanwhile, other managerial possibilities faded. Thomas Tuchel committed his future to the FA, Carlo Ancelotti moved towards a role with Brazil, and PSG signalled they were progressing with Luis Enrique. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner became embroiled in a dispute with ownership, clouding his availability.
All the while Carrick kept winning. United started with a run of four straight victories and claimed six wins from seven before suffering a first defeat at Newcastle — a loss the club’s hierarchy placed more on the players than the manager. A home defeat by Leeds on 13 April, however, was judged to be on Carrick after he started Manuel Ugarte when Kobbie Mainoo was unavailable through injury.
The team’s response to that setback answered many lingering doubts. United followed up with three successive victories against direct Champions League rivals Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool. Those results reassured the hierarchy about Carrick’s suitability.
Inside the dressing room support for Carrick grew palpable. The push for him to stay began with Amad Diallo during a training camp in Dublin and was echoed by Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, Senne Lammens and Casemiro. Their backing added to the mounting evidence in his favour.
Ultimately, keeping Carrick looked less risky than replacing him. With the squad behind him and results improving, the club decided to make the appointment permanent. Time will tell whether it proves the right long-term call, but for now it looks like the correct one.
