Michael Carrick is poised to become Manchester United's permanent manager for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher. United are edging ever closer to a return to the Champions League after a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, a result that tightened their grip on a qualifying spot. With only four Premier League fixtures left, United sit third in the table, enjoying an 11-point cushion over sixth‑placed Brighton.
The margin positions them to secure European football as early as the weekend clash with arch‑rivals Liverpool. Carrick, who has been serving in an interim capacity since January, has guided the team to nine wins in 13 matches, a run that Carragher described as "sensational" and worthy of a full‑time appointment. Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex‑Liverpool defender said, "He's definitely going to be the Manchester United manager next season – there’s no doubt about it, and you can’t argue that he doesn’t deserve it. The results have been absolutely sensational, the kind you would expect from a title‑contending side." He added that while United are not currently under the pressure of European fixtures, the momentum they have built makes it difficult for any other candidate to achieve better outcomes.
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Carragher contrasted Carrick's adaptability with the previous manager, Rubén Amorim, noting, "The biggest criticism of Amorim was his inability to adapt. Carrick, on the other hand, has shown he can adjust tactics effectively." This sentiment was echoed by captain Harry Maguire during a Sky Sports interview, where he credited the manager's early results for boosting the squad's confidence. "When Michael first arrived we faced two tough fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Everyone thought we might struggle, but we secured six points. That belief has grown, and now we trust that we can score from anywhere on the pitch," Maguire said. Maguire continued, highlighting the defensive improvements under Carrick.
"We’re defending our box much better now, and we’re more clinical in attack. The games under Rubén were often 50/50 and ended in defeat, but the opposite is true today – we’re winning both ends of the field." The captain also emphasized the tactical flexibility the team has displayed, noting faster transitions and a more cohesive backline.
Gary Neville, former United defender and current Sky Sports analyst, praised Carrick's impact on the podcast. "If Michael were honest, he would say he’s extracting the absolute maximum from this group of players. Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games is a brilliant record, especially after those stunning performances against City and Arsenal.
Those games were spectacular, and even when the team hasn't played at that peak, they’ve still found a way to win," Neville observed. Neville also pointed out Carrick's long‑term vision. "He talks about the future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season – which is unlikely. In the second half of the Brentford game he showed tactical nous, adjusting the system on the fly and nearly shutting the game down.
That kind of agility is a hallmark of a serious manager," he added. The former midfielder also addressed the criticism Carrick could have faced if Brentford had equalised.
"If Brentford had drawn, the criticism would have been massive for the system he chose. But after a few minutes he realised it was working, and United’s compactness improved in the second half," Neville explained, noting that Carrick’s quick thinking prevented a potential setback.
Carrick himself acknowledged United's improved standing after the Brentford win, which brings them a step closer to Champions League qualification. He told Sky Sports, "It’s another win and we have an important game coming up this weekend. It’s a big match for many reasons, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position." He praised his side’s resilience, especially after Brentford’s late effort through Mathias Jensen, and stressed the importance of securing points at this stage of the season. "We could have scored more, but at this time of year it’s all about results.
We needed the points after the Leeds defeat, and we delivered," Carrick said. Looking ahead, United will host Liverpool on Sunday, a fixture that could potentially seal their return to Europe’s elite competition. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans a chance to witness whether Carrick can continue his impressive run against one of the league’s toughest opponents.
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In summary, Michael Carrick’s tenure as interim manager has transformed Manchester United’s fortunes. His tactical adaptability, ability to inspire confidence, and knack for securing crucial points have convinced pundits like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville that he deserves the permanent role.
With a solid league position, a realistic shot at Champions League football, and a squad that believes in his vision, Carrick appears ready to steer United into a new era of success.