Michael Carrick is poised to become the full‑time manager of Manchester United for the upcoming campaign, a view championed by former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher. The Red Devils are edging ever 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 only four Premier League fixtures left to play, United sit third in the table, sitting eleven points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton. That cushion means they could lock in a Champions League place as early as next weekend when they host long‑time rivals Liverpool.
Since taking over as interim boss in January, Carrick has overseen nine wins in thirteen matches, a run that Carragher described as "sensational" and worthy of a permanent appointment. 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, the kind you expect from a title‑contending side." He added that while United currently enjoy a relatively low‑pressure environment – no European fixtures and a comfortable league position – the club’s recent form makes it hard to argue against giving Carrick the job on a long‑term basis. "I don’t think anyone could have come in and delivered better results at this stage," Carragher asserted.
Harry Maguire, the club captain, also weighed in on Carrick’s impact. He explained that the early wins against Arsenal and Manchester City were crucial for building confidence. "When Michael first arrived we faced two very tough games. Everyone was thinking ‘oh no’, but we secured six points.
That boosted the whole squad’s belief," Maguire said. He highlighted the team’s improved defensive shape and greater fluidity in attack, noting that United now score from a variety of positions and can transition more quickly across the pitch. Maguire continued, "The results speak for themselves. Since Michael took over the formation changed and we started picking up points.
Under the previous manager, Ruben Amorin, we were often left hanging after a draw. Now we’re winning both at the back and in front of goal." Former United defender Gary Neville, appearing on The Gary Neville Podcast, praised Carrick’s tactical acumen. "If Michael were honest, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group. Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games is brilliant, especially after the way we played against City and Arsenal – those were amazing performances," Neville remarked.
He noted that while United have not consistently reached the same heights, they have learned to grind out results even when they are not at their best, a hallmark of a resilient manager. Neville also pointed out Carrick’s long‑term vision. "He constantly thinks about the future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season.
He’s already showing the tactical nous to adapt mid‑game, shutting down opponents when needed," he said. Neville praised Carrick’s willingness to adjust the system after a shaky first half against Brentford, stating that the manager’s quick thinking prevented a potential criticism storm. Carrick himself remained modest about the progress.
After the Brentford win, he told Sky Sports, "It’s another win and we have a big game coming up on the weekend. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but we still have work to do." He acknowledged that United could have scored more but emphasized the importance of securing points at this stage of the season. "It’s a results business now.
We needed the points, especially after the Leeds defeat," he added. The Brentford match saw the visitors pull one back through Mathias Jensen late in the second half, but United held firm to preserve the three points.
Carrick’s post‑match comments reflected his pragmatic approach: "We could have scored more, but the priority was to take the points. The team showed great character after the setback against Leeds." Looking ahead, United’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday will be a decisive test.
A win could virtually guarantee a Champions League berth, while a slip could keep the race open until the final round. Carrick’s tactical setup against Liverpool will likely be scrutinised, as pundits evaluate whether his interim success can translate into sustained excellence.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, Carrick’s appointment would signal a shift in United’s managerial philosophy. Historically, the club has favoured high‑profile, often foreign, managers. Elevating a former player who rose through the coaching ranks could foster a stronger internal culture and continuity.
It may also appease supporters who have long called for a manager with a deep understanding of United’s traditions and values. If Carrick secures the permanent role, he will inherit a squad brimming with talent but still needing consistency.
Key areas for improvement include defensive solidity against top‑six opponents and maintaining attacking fluidity when faced with compact defenses. Carrick’s experience as a midfield maestro during his playing days could help him develop a balanced, possession‑based style that leverages United’s creative players while reinforcing the back line.
In summary, the consensus among former players, current staff, and media figures is that Michael Carrick has earned the right to lead Manchester United into the next season. His interim tenure has delivered impressive results, restored belief among the squad, and positioned the club on the cusp of Champions League qualification.
Whether the board will formalise his appointment remains to be seen, but the evidence suggests that keeping Carrick at the helm could be a decisive factor in United’s quest to return to the summit of English football.