Michael Carrick is poised to become the permanent manager of Manchester United for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher. The Red Devils are edging closer to a return to the Champions League after they secured a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, tightening their grip on a qualifying spot. With just four Premier League fixtures left, United sit in third place, sitting eleven points ahead of sixth‑placed Brighton, and they could mathematically guarantee European qualification when they host Liverpool the following weekend.
Since stepping into the interim role in January, Carrick has overseen nine wins in 13 matches, a turnaround that has prompted Carragher to predict that the club will retain him as head coach after a string of "sensational results." The former Liverpool defender made his comments on Sky Sports, stating, "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. They are absolutely sensational results.
They're the results of a title‑winning team, or a team going for the league." Carragher added that, while United currently face less pressure because they are not involved in European fixtures, the manager’s performance has already exceeded expectations. "Now I know that pressure isn't on Manchester United right now, they haven't got European fixtures, all these other things will come into it, but I don't think anybody could have come in and done any better results‑wise," he said. The interim boss’s impact has also been highlighted by captain Harry Maguire, who told Sky Sports that the early victories under Carrick gave the squad a huge confidence boost. Maguire recalled the tough opening fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City, noting, "We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in, and I think everyone was probably looking at them thinking 'oh no', with Arsenal and Man City, and we managed to get the six points.
Everyone's believed in it, and we've gathered together. We've got the confidence.
We know that we can score goals from anywhere." Maguire also praised the tactical adjustments, saying the team has become quicker in transition and more cohesive defensively. "I think we can still get a lot better at this formation as well.
I think we can work as a back force, slide across the pitch a lot quicker, like we should have done," he explained. Former United defender and pundit Gary Neville weighed in on his podcast, emphasizing Carrick’s ability to extract maximum performance from the current squad. Neville pointed out that United have amassed 29 points from the 13 games Carrick has overseen – a remarkable tally that includes impressive displays against both City and Arsenal. "Those two performances were absolutely amazing, but they've not really hit that height since.
They're getting over the line in games now where they're not playing as well. And that's something that you've got to do," Neville observed. Neville also highlighted Carrick’s long‑term vision, noting that the interim manager appears to be thinking beyond the immediate season. "He thinks about the long‑term future of the club, even if he's not here at the end of the season, which I think he is more than likely to be," Neville said.
He praised Carrick’s tactical flexibility, especially his willingness to adapt mid‑game. When Brentford threatened to equalise, Carrick altered the system, improving United’s compactness and preventing a potential criticism storm.
Carrick himself has been modest about the progress, acknowledging that the team still has room for improvement. After the Brentford win, he told Sky Sports, "It's another win. We've obviously got an important game coming up with the 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 been more clinical, but stressed the importance of securing points at this stage of the season: "We could have scored more but it's the time of year when it's a result business.
We needed to take the points and we've had a fantastic two games on the back of the Leeds defeat." The victory over Brentford also featured a late consolation strike from Mathias Jensen, but United held firm to preserve the three points. The win not only moved them closer to Champions League qualification but also reinforced the narrative that Carrick’s leadership is delivering tangible outcomes. Beyond the immediate results, Carrick’s tenure has sparked discussions about the club’s strategic direction.
Analysts note that his emphasis on a balanced midfield, quick transitions, and disciplined defending aligns with the style that many fans associate with United’s most successful eras. Moreover, his willingness to give younger players minutes while still extracting performances from seasoned veterans suggests a pragmatic approach to squad rotation.
If United secure a Champions League spot by beating Liverpool, the financial and reputational boost could further cement Carrick’s case for a permanent appointment. The club’s hierarchy will likely weigh his ability to maintain consistency, manage high‑pressure fixtures, and nurture talent when making a final decision. In summary, the consensus among pundits, players, and former legends is that Michael Carrick has turned around United’s fortunes in a short period, delivering results that rival those of a title‑contending side. With the season drawing to a close and a crucial clash against Liverpool looming, the stage is set for Carrick to either cement his legacy with a permanent role or for the club to seek a new direction.
Regardless of the outcome, his impact on Manchester United’s resurgence is undeniable, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether he will indeed be the manager steering Old Trafford into the next season.