Michael Carrick is poised to become Manchester United's permanent manager for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. The Red Devils are edging closer to a return to the 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 only four Premier League fixtures left to play, United sit third in the table, sitting eleven points ahead of sixth‑placed Brighton.
The gap means that a win against long‑time rivals Liverpool next weekend could effectively seal their place in Europe’s elite competition for the following season. Since stepping into the caretaker role in January, Carrick has overseen an impressive run of nine wins in thirteen matches.
His rapid turnaround of the side’s fortunes has prompted Carragher to predict that the club will retain him as manager beyond the interim period, citing a string of "sensational results" that echo the standards of a title‑contending outfit. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher 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 results have been absolutely sensational.
They are the kind of outcomes you expect from a championship‑winning side or a team pushing for the league title." He added that, while United currently face less pressure due to the absence of European fixtures, the club’s recent form makes a strong case for Carrick’s continued leadership. "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," Carragher asserted.
Harry Maguire, the club’s veteran centre‑back, also weighed in on Carrick’s impact. In an interview with Sky Sports, Maguire highlighted how the early wins against Arsenal and Manchester City boosted the squad’s confidence. "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 City, but we managed to take six points," Maguire explained.
"Everyone believes in it now, we’ve gathered together, we have the confidence, and we know we can score from anywhere." Maguire also noted tactical improvements, saying United have become more compact defensively and more clinical in attack. "The games under Ruben were 50/50 and we always ended up on the losing side. Now it’s the opposite – we’re better in both boxes. We defend our box a lot better, and we’re managing to be clinical in the other box," he said.
Former United captain Gary Neville, appearing on The Gary Neville Podcast, praised Carrick’s ability to extract maximum performance from the squad. "If Michael Carrick were speaking honestly, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players. Is it 29 points in 13 games since he arrived? That’s a brilliant job.
Those first two games against City and Arsenal were absolutely amazing," Neville remarked. He continued, "They haven’t hit that height since, but they’re still getting over the line in games where they’re not playing as well, and that’s something you have to do as a manager." Neville also pointed out Carrick’s forward‑thinking mindset. "He looks at the long‑term future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season, which he likely will be.
In the second half against Brentford he showed tactical nous, saying ‘I’ve got the tactical nous to do this.’ He proved he can adapt, shutting down opposition play when needed." Carrick himself remained modest, acknowledging the importance of the Brentford win while emphasizing the work still ahead. "It’s another win. We’ve obviously got 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 told Sky Sports.
He also reflected on the match’s ebb and flow, noting Brentford’s late goal by Mathias Jensen but stressing United’s resilience. "We could have scored more but it’s the time of year when it’s a results business.
We needed the points and we’ve had a fantastic two games on the back of the Leeds defeat," Carrick said. The upcoming clash with Liverpool, a traditional powerhouse, represents a decisive test. A victory would likely confirm United’s Champions League qualification, ending a multi‑year absence from Europe’s premier tournament.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely, as Carrick’s tactical adjustments, player motivation, and squad rotation will be scrutinised under the spotlight of a high‑stakes encounter. Beyond the immediate fixtures, Carrick’s potential appointment signals a shift in United’s strategic direction. The club, long‑awaiting stable leadership after a series of managerial changes, may finally find continuity under a former player who understands the club’s culture and expectations. His ability to blend experienced heads with emerging talent, while maintaining a pragmatic yet ambitious playing style, could lay the foundation for sustained success.
In summary, the consensus among former players, current squad members, and analysts is that Michael Carrick has earned the right to steer Manchester United into the next season. His record of turning a struggling side into a competitive, points‑gathering machine in a short span, combined with the admiration of peers like Carragher, Maguire, and Neville, underscores a compelling case for his permanent appointment. As United prepare to face Liverpool with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Carrick to see whether he can cement his legacy and guide the Red Devils back to the summit of European football.