Michael Carrick is poised to become the full‑time manager of Manchester United for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher. United are edging ever closer to a return to the UEFA Champions League after tightening their grip on a qualifying spot with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday.
With only four Premier League fixtures left, the Red Devils sit third in the table, sitting 11 points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton. If they replicate their form against Liverpool this weekend, they could seal European qualification outright. Since stepping into the caretaker role in January, Carrick has guided United to nine wins in 13 matches, a turnaround that has left many pundits convinced he deserves the job on a permanent basis. Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, said, "He's going to be the Manchester United manager, certainly next season, no doubt about that – and you can't say he doesn't deserve it." The former midfielder highlighted the "sensational results" that have come under Carrick’s stewardship, noting that they resemble the output of a title‑contending side.
"They are absolutely sensational results. They're the results of a title‑winning team, or a team going for the league," he added.
While acknowledging that United currently enjoy a relatively low‑pressure environment – they are not yet juggling European fixtures – Carragher argued that no other interim coach could have delivered a better points haul in the same period. Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports about Carrick’s impact, praised the confidence boost the new manager has provided.
"The results help the feeling of confidence about Michael Carrick massively. We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in, and everyone was probably thinking ‘oh no’ with Arsenal and Man City, yet we managed to take six points," Maguire explained.
He continued, "Everyone believes in it, we’ve grown together, we have the confidence, and we know we can score from anywhere. There’s still room to improve the formation – we can move the back line quicker and become a more fluid unit." Maguire also contrasted Carrick’s tenure with that of former boss Rúben Amorim, saying, "The biggest criticism of Rúben Amorim was that he never adapted. Carrick has shown he can adapt." He pointed out that United’s defensive solidity has improved, while their attacking efficiency has become more clinical, resulting in a noticeable shift from the frequent defeats that marked the Amorim era.
Gary Neville, on The Gary Neville Podcast, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the tactical acumen Carrick has displayed. "If Michael Carrick were speaking honestly, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players.
29 points in 13 games since he arrived is a brilliant job. The performances against City and Arsenal were absolutely amazing," Neville remarked. He added that while United have not replicated those peak displays every week, they have learned to grind out results even when the play is not at its highest level – a hallmark of a seasoned manager. Neville also noted Carrick’s forward‑thinking approach.
"He thinks about the long‑term future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season. He has the tactical nous to shut down a game, and he’s proven he can be agile in his decisions.
When Brentford equalised, he could have been criticised for his system, but he quickly adjusted, saying ‘this is working.’" This adaptability, Neville argued, is essential for navigating the pressures of a top‑flight club. Carrick himself remained modest, acknowledging the hard work required to keep United in a strong position. After the Brentford win, he said, "It’s another win.
We have an important game coming up this weekend, so we can look forward to that. It’s a big game for different reasons but we’ve put ourselves in a good position." He admitted United could have scored more, but stressed the importance of securing points at this stage of the season: "It’s the time of year when it’s a results business. We needed to take the points and we’ve had a fantastic two games on the back of the Leeds defeat." The Brentford match itself saw the visitors fight back in the second half, with Mathias Jensen finding the net late, but United held firm to preserve the three points.
The win pushed United a step closer to a Champions League spot, and a successful showdown against Liverpool could clinch their return to Europe’s elite competition. Beyond the immediate results, Carrick’s influence appears to be reshaping United’s identity. The team has become more compact defensively, reducing the number of chances conceded, while also displaying a renewed willingness to press high and create scoring opportunities from various areas of the pitch. This balanced approach has resonated with both the squad and the supporters, who are eager to see sustained progress after years of inconsistency.
In summary, the consensus among former players, pundits, and the players themselves is that Michael Carrick has turned around Manchester United’s fortunes in a short span. His tactical flexibility, ability to motivate the squad, and knack for extracting results have convinced many that he should be handed the permanent managerial role for the 2024‑25 season. If United can maintain their current form and secure a win against Liverpool, they will not only guarantee Champions League football but also cement Carrick’s status as a deserving successor to the club’s managerial lineage.