Michael Carrick is poised to become the full‑time manager of Manchester United for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher. United are edging ever closer to a return to the Champions League after a hard‑fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, a win that has tightened their grip on a qualifying spot. With only four league fixtures remaining, the Red Devils sit in third place, sitting eleven points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton.
That cushion means they could secure European qualification as early as next weekend when they host long‑time rivals Liverpool. Since stepping into the interim role in January, Carrick has guided United to nine wins in thirteen matches, a run that Carragher described as "sensational" and indicative of a manager who deserves the job on a permanent basis. During a live interview on Sky Sports, the ex‑Liverpool defender said, "He's going to be the Manchester United manager, certainly next season, no doubt about that – you can't say he doesn't deserve it. The results have been absolutely sensational.
They are the kind of results you would expect from a title‑contending side or a team fighting for the league." Carragher added that while United currently face less pressure due to the absence of European fixtures, the club’s trajectory under Carrick is unmistakable. The interim coach’s impact has been evident not only in the points tally but also in the way the squad has responded to his tactical adjustments.
Former United captain Harry Maguire praised Carrick’s influence, telling Sky Sports, "The confidence the results bring is massive. When Michael first arrived we had two very tough games – against Arsenal and Manchester City – and we managed to take six points. That gave everyone belief.
We now know we can score from anywhere and we are improving our defensive shape, moving quicker across the pitch, and becoming a more cohesive unit." Maguire continued, "The numbers speak for themselves. Since Michael took over, the formation changed and we started picking up wins.
Under the previous manager, Ruben Amorin, many games felt like a 50/50 proposition that often ended in defeat. Now we are stronger at both ends of the field – we defend better and we are more clinical in attack." Sky Sports’ former United captain Gary Neville also weighed in on his podcast, highlighting Carrick’s ability to extract maximum performance from the current roster. "Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games is an outstanding record," Neville said.
"The first two games against City and Arsenal were spectacular, and even when the team hasn’t looked as sharp, they still find a way to win. That’s the mark of a manager who can adapt and get results when it matters." Neville noted that Carrick appears to be thinking beyond the immediate season. "He talks about the long‑term future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the campaign," Neville observed.
"In the second half of the Brentford game, he made tactical tweaks that almost shut down the opposition completely. He showed he can be flexible, not stuck on one system, and that kind of tactical nous is essential for a top‑flight manager." Carrick himself remained modest but optimistic after the Brentford win.
He told Sky Sports, "It’s another win and we have a big game coming up on the weekend, so we can look forward to that. It’s a big match for many reasons, but we have put ourselves in a good position." 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‑driven business at this time of year. We needed the points and we have had a fantastic two‑game run after the Leeds defeat," he added.
The Brentford encounter was a test of United’s resolve. The visitors fought back in the second half and even found a late goal through Mathias Jensen, but the home side held firm to preserve the three points. Carrick’s tactical adjustments during the match, particularly his decision to tighten the defensive shape after conceding, were praised by pundits as evidence of his growing acumen.
Looking ahead, United’s next fixture against Liverpool offers a chance to cement their Champions League aspirations. A victory would likely guarantee a return to Europe’s elite competition, a goal that has eluded the club for several seasons. Carrick’s interim tenure has already revitalised the squad’s morale, and many observers now view his potential permanent appointment as a logical step.
Beyond the immediate results, Carrick’s influence appears to be reshaping United’s playing philosophy. The team has become more compact defensively, transitioning quickly from a solid backline to an attacking posture. Players have spoken about increased confidence in taking shots from various positions, and the midfield has shown greater creativity and control. This evolution mirrors the style of play that Carrick himself embodied during his playing days – a blend of technical skill, intelligent positioning, and an emphasis on ball retention.
If United confirm Carrick as the full‑time manager, the club will have a rare opportunity to build continuity around a coach who already commands the respect of the dressing room. The combination of tactical flexibility, player confidence, and a clear pathway back to the Champions League could mark the beginning of a new, stable era for Manchester United. In summary, the consensus among former players, pundits, and the club’s own leadership is that Michael Carrick has earned the right to lead Manchester United into the next season.
His interim spell has produced a string of impressive results, tactical improvements, and a renewed belief among the squad. With a crucial match against Liverpool on the horizon, United are well‑placed to secure European football, and Carrick’s potential appointment could provide the continuity and vision needed to sustain success in the long term.