Michael Carrick is poised to become the permanent 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, which has tightened their grip on a qualifying spot.
With only four league fixtures remaining, the Red Devils sit third in the table, sitting eleven points clear of sixth‑placed Brighton. If they can maintain this margin, qualification could be secured as early as next weekend’s showdown with arch‑rivals Liverpool. Carrick, who has been acting as interim manager since January, has already overseen nine wins in thirteen matches, a run that has prompted Carragher to predict that the club will retain him as head coach after a string of "sensational results." Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender 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’re the kind of outcomes you’d expect from a title‑contending side or a team pushing for the league." Carragher 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 tenure. "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," he argued.
Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports about Carrick’s impact, highlighted the confidence boost that the results have provided. "Obviously the results help the feeling of confidence about Michael Carrick massively.
We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in – Arsenal and Man City – and we managed to take six points. Everyone believes in it now, we’ve gathered together, we have the confidence. We know we can score from anywhere and we can still improve our formation, move faster across the pitch and be more cohesive defensively," Maguire explained. Maguire continued, "The results speak for themselves.
Since the manager arrived and the formation changed, we’ve started picking up points. Under Ruben Amorin the games were 50/50 and we often ended up on the losing side. Now we’re better in both boxes – we defend our own area more effectively and we’re more clinical in attack." Gary Neville, on his podcast, praised Carrick’s tactical acumen and his ability to extract the maximum from the squad. "If Michael Carrick were being honest, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players.
Twenty‑nine points in thirteen games since he arrived – that’s brilliant. The first two games against City and Arsenal were spectacular, and even if the level hasn’t been sustained, the team is still finding ways to win when they’re not playing their best football. That’s a hallmark of a good manager." Neville also noted Carrick’s long‑term vision.
"He thinks about the club’s future, 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, adjusting the system and shutting down the opposition. He proved he can be agile, making changes mid‑game that paid off. If Brentford had drawn, the criticism would have been massive, but he stuck to his plan and it worked." Carrick himself acknowledged United’s improved standing after the Brentford win.
"It’s another win, and we have an important game coming up this weekend. It’s a big match for different reasons, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position," he told Sky Sports. He added that while United could have scored more, the timing of the season makes every point crucial: "It’s a results business now. We needed the points and we’ve had a fantastic two games after the Leeds defeat." The victory over Brentford saw the visitors pull one back late through Mathias Jensen, but United held firm to preserve the three points.
The win brings United within striking distance of a Champions League berth, and a successful result against Liverpool on Sunday could seal their return to Europe’s elite competition. Beyond the immediate results, Carrick’s tenure has sparked discussions about the club’s tactical evolution. Under his guidance, United have shifted to a more compact defensive shape, emphasizing quick transitions and pressing higher up the pitch. This approach has helped neutralise traditionally strong opponents and has given the team a clearer identity on both ends of the field.
Analysts note that the blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent has flourished under Carrick’s calm, measured leadership, creating a balanced squad capable of adapting to different match scenarios. Fans and pundits alike are now watching closely to see whether Carrick can sustain this momentum through the final stretch of the season and beyond.
If he does, his appointment could mark the beginning of a new era for Manchester United, one that blends the club’s storied history with a modern, adaptable playing style. The next few weeks will be decisive, not only for Champions League qualification but also for confirming Carrick’s long‑term role at the helm of one of football’s most iconic institutions.