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 closer to a Champions League return after strengthening their hold on a qualifying spot with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday.
With only four league fixtures left, the Red Devils sit third in the table, sitting eleven points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton. That cushion means they could secure a European berth as early as the weekend clash with rivals Liverpool. Since stepping in as interim boss in January, Carrick has guided United to nine wins in thirteen matches, a run that Carragher described as "sensational" and worthy of a full‑time appointment.
The former midfielder said on Sky Sports, "He will definitely be Manchester United's manager next season – there is no doubt about it, and you cannot argue that he doesn't deserve the role." Carragher went on to praise the results, calling them "the sort of outcomes a title‑contending side would produce". He noted that United are currently free from the pressure of European fixtures, but added that the club's future ambitions will soon bring new challenges. "No one could have taken over and delivered better results at this stage," he asserted.
Harry Maguire also weighed in on Sky Sports, explaining why Carrick's tenure has been so effective. "The confidence that comes from the results is massive," Maguire said. "When Michael first arrived we faced two tough games – Arsenal and Manchester City – and we managed to take six points.
That gave everyone belief." Maguire highlighted the team's growing cohesion, noting that United now possess the ability to score from any area of the pitch. He believes the side can still improve tactically, especially in terms of transitioning quickly across the field and sharpening defensive organization. "We defend much better now and we’re more clinical in attack," he added. Former United defender Gary Neville, speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, applauded Carrick's impact.
"Since Michael took over, United have earned 29 points from 13 games – an outstanding record," Neville remarked. He praised the early wins against City and Arsenal as "absolutely amazing" and emphasized that the team has learned to grind out results even when they are not playing their best football.
Neville also suggested that Carrick is already thinking beyond the current season. "He talks about the long‑term future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the year," Neville said, implying that Carrick sees himself as a lasting figure at Old Trafford. Tactically, Carrick has shown flexibility. During the Brentford match, he altered the system after a sluggish first half, a move that could have drawn criticism had the opposition equalised.
Instead, United held on for the win, demonstrating the manager's willingness to adapt on the fly. "I have the tactical nous to change things mid‑game," Carrick explained, underscoring his growing confidence as a coach. The victory over Brentford also moved United a step nearer to Champions League qualification. A win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday could seal their return to Europe’s elite competition.
Carrick acknowledged the importance of the upcoming fixture, saying, "It’s a big game for many reasons, but we have put ourselves in a strong position." Brentford fought back in the second half, with Mathias Jensen finding the net late, but United’s defence held firm. Carrick admitted they could have added more goals, yet stressed that at this stage of the season, securing points is paramount. "We needed the points after the Leeds defeat, and we delivered," he said. Overall, the consensus among pundits, former players, and the squad itself is that Carrick has revitalised Manchester United’s fortunes.
His ability to extract maximum performance from the existing roster, combined with a willingness to adjust tactics, has earned him widespread respect. If the club’s hierarchy follows Carragher’s prediction, fans can expect to see Carrick at the helm for the next season, guiding United back into the Champions League and possibly laying the groundwork for future title challenges.