Michael Carrick is poised to become Manchester United's permanent manager for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher. United are edging ever closer to a return to the UEFA Champions League after a hard‑fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, a result that has tightened their grip on a qualifying spot. With just four Premier League fixtures remaining, the Red Devils sit third in the table, sitting eleven points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton. If they can replicate their recent form against Liverpool next weekend, qualification could be secured outright.
Carrick, who has been serving as interim manager since January, has already overseen nine wins in 13 matches, a turnaround that has prompted Carragher to predict that the club will retain him as head coach. Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex‑Liverpool defender praised Carrick’s impact: "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 the job. The results have been sensational, the kind you expect from a title‑contending side or a team pushing for the league." Carragher added that, while United currently lack the pressure of European fixtures, the club’s recent performances have set a high benchmark: "You could not have asked for a better set of results given the circumstances." The interim boss’s tactical adjustments have been evident.
After a shaky start that saw United lose to Leeds, Carrick switched formations, emphasizing a more compact defensive shape and a quicker transition through the midfield. This shift has yielded a noticeable improvement in both defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, something veteran defender Harry Maguire highlighted in a Sky Sports interview. Maguire explained: "The early results under Michael gave us a massive confidence boost.
We faced Arsenal and Manchester City back‑to‑back, two of the toughest fixtures, and we managed to take six points. That belief has carried through. The squad now trusts the system, knows we can score from any area, and we’re becoming faster in our movements across the pitch." He continued, noting the contrast with the previous manager, Rubén Amorín: "Under Rubén we were often left hanging at the end of games, but now we’re winning more often and defending better.
Our back line is tighter, and we’re more clinical in front of goal." Former United captain Gary Neville, appearing on The Gary Neville Podcast, echoed these sentiments. He praised Carrick’s ability to extract maximum performance from the current group: "Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games is an outstanding return. The way United played against City and Arsenal was spectacular, and even when we’re not at that peak, we’re still finding ways to win. That’s the mark of a good manager." Neville also highlighted Carrick’s long‑term thinking: "He talks about the future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season.
He’s already showing tactical flexibility, adjusting the system when things aren’t working, like after Brentford’s equaliser when he quickly shifted to a more compact shape." Carrick himself acknowledged the significance of the Brentford win, describing it as another step toward the club’s European ambitions: "It’s another win and we have a big game coming up this weekend against Liverpool. It’s a crucial match for several reasons, but we’ve put ourselves in a strong position." He also admitted that United could have been more clinical: "We could have scored more, but at this stage of the season it’s all about securing points.
After the Leeds defeat, we’ve delivered two fantastic performances and that’s what matters now." The broader picture for United is clear. By tightening the defense, improving the transition, and fostering a belief that they can compete with the league’s elite, Carrick has revitalised a squad that had struggled for consistency.
His ability to adapt tactics mid‑game, as seen when he altered the team’s shape after Brentford’s late goal, demonstrates a managerial acumen that many pundits had not expected from a former midfielder turned interim boss. If United can maintain this momentum against Liverpool, they will not only clinch Champions League qualification but also cement Carrick’s status as the club’s next full‑time manager. The upcoming weekend match will be a litmus test for the team’s resilience and Carrick’s strategic planning.
Should United secure a positive result, it would likely silence any remaining doubts and set the tone for a promising season ahead under Carrick’s leadership. In summary, the combination of tactical innovation, improved defensive organization, and a renewed winning mentality has positioned Manchester United as a serious contender for European football. Jamie Carragher, Harry Maguire, and Gary Neville—all respected voices in the football community—have all voiced confidence that Michael Carrick deserves the permanent role.
With a crucial fixture against Liverpool looming, United’s immediate focus is on securing the points needed to guarantee a return to the Champions League, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a longer‑term project under Carrick’s guidance.