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 Champions League, having stretched their lead over a qualifying spot with a 2-1 triumph over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday.
With just four league fixtures remaining, the Red Devils sit third in the table, sitting 11 points ahead of sixth‑placed Brighton. That cushion means they could secure European qualification as early as next weekend when they host fierce rivals Liverpool.
Since stepping in as interim manager in January, Carrick has guided United to nine victories in 13 matches, a run that has prompted Carragher to predict that the club will retain him beyond the temporary stint. The former midfielder’s comments on Sky Sports were unequivocal: "He will be the Manchester United manager next season, no doubt about it – and you can’t argue that he doesn’t deserve the job." Carragher praised the results, calling them "sensational" and likening them to the kind of performances a title‑challenging side would produce. He added that while United are not currently burdened by European fixtures, the pressure will inevitably rise, yet no one could have delivered a better set of outcomes given the circumstances. Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports, offered his perspective on Carrick’s impact: "The results have done a lot for the confidence in the dressing room.
When Michael first arrived we faced two tough games – Arsenal and Manchester City – and we managed to take all six points. That gave everyone belief.
We now know we can score from anywhere and we’re still improving tactically, especially in how we transition quickly across the pitch." Maguire continued, noting the stark contrast with the previous regime under Erik ten Hag’s predecessor, Rubén Amorín. "When Rubén was in charge the matches felt like 50/50 and we often ended up on the losing side.
Since Michael took over, we’ve become stronger at both ends of the park – defensively tighter and more clinical in attack." Former United captain Gary Neville, on his podcast, highlighted Carrick’s ability to extract maximum performance from the squad. "Thirty‑nine points from 13 games under his guidance is outstanding.
The early wins against City and Arsenal were extraordinary, and even when the team isn’t playing at its absolute best, they still manage to get results. That’s a hallmark of a good manager – knowing how to win games when the performance level dips." Neville also pointed out 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 – for example, when Brentford threatened to equalise, he adjusted the system mid‑game and prevented a potential backlash. His willingness to adapt demonstrates that he’s more than a caretaker; he’s a serious manager with a clear vision." Carrick himself acknowledged United’s improved standing after the Brentford victory, which moved them a step closer to Champions League qualification.
He said, "It’s another win and we have a big game coming up this weekend. The match against Liverpool is important for many reasons, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position heading into it." The Brentford match saw the visitors pull one back in the second half through Mathias Jensen, but United held firm. Carrick reflected on the performance, noting, "We could have scored more, but at this stage of the season it’s all about results.
After the Leeds defeat, we needed to collect points and we did that with a fantastic display." Overall, the consensus among pundits, former players, and the squad itself is that Carrick has revitalised Manchester United’s fortunes. His tactical adjustments, man‑management skills, and ability to secure points against top opposition have convinced many that he deserves the permanent role. As the season draws to a close, United will look to cement their Champions League spot against Liverpool, while fans eagerly anticipate seeing Carrick take the reins full‑time next season. The club’s trajectory under his interim stewardship suggests a promising future, and if the results continue, Carrick’s appointment could mark the beginning of a new, stable era for Manchester United.