Michael Carrick is poised to become the permanent manager of Manchester United for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. United have edged closer to a Champions League comeback after securing a 2-1 victory over Brent Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, tightening their grip on a qualifying spot. With only four Premier League fixtures remaining, the Red Devils sit third in the table, enjoying an 11‑point cushion over sixth‑placed Brighton.
That lead puts them in a strong position to clinch European qualification when they host Liverpool the following weekend. Since taking the interim reins in January, Carrick has overseen nine wins in thirteen matches, a run that Carragher described as "sensational" and worthy of a full‑time 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 are absolutely sensational, the kind you expect from a title‑challenging side or a team fighting for the league." Carragher added that while United currently lack the pressure of European fixtures, the club’s recent form makes a strong case for Carrick’s continuation. "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 asserted.
Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports about Carrick’s impact, highlighted the confidence boost that the new manager has generated. "The results help the feeling of confidence 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 the formation, move quicker across the pitch, and become a stronger defensive unit," Maguire explained. Maguire continued, noting the stark contrast between the Carrick era and the previous tenure of former boss Rúben Amorim. "The results speak for themselves.
Since Michael arrived, the formation changed and we started picking up points. Under Amorim the games were 50/50 and we often ended up on the losing side.
Now we’re better in both boxes – we defend better and we’re more clinical in attack." Former United stalwart Gary Neville, on his podcast, praised Carrick’s tactical acumen and his ability to extract the maximum from the squad. "If Michael Carrick were speaking honestly, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players. Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games since he arrived is a brilliant job.
The performances against City and Arsenal were phenomenal – absolutely amazing. Those two games set a high bar, and even when the team hasn’t looked as sharp, they’ve still found a way to win. That’s the mark of a manager who can adapt and get results when it matters." Neville also pointed out Carrick’s long‑term vision. "He thinks about the 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, adjusting the system to shut down the opposition. He proved he can be agile, and when Brentford threatened to level the game, he resisted criticism and stuck to his plan, eventually securing the win." Carrick himself acknowledged United’s improved standing after the Brentford win, describing the result as another step toward Champions League qualification. "It’s another win.
We have 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 said.
The Brentford match saw the visitors fight back in the second half, with Mathias Jensen finding the net late, but United held firm. Carrick reflected on the performance: "We could have scored more, but at this time of year it’s about results. We needed the points and we’ve had a fantastic two games after the Leeds defeat." Beyond the immediate results, Carrick’s tenure has sparked discussions about United’s tactical identity.
Since his appointment, the team has shifted to a more compact, high‑pressing style, emphasizing quick transitions and positional flexibility. This approach has helped the Red Devils dominate possession in the middle third while maintaining a solid defensive block, reducing the number of goals conceded compared with the previous season. Analysts note that Carrick’s experience as a former midfielder under Sir Alex Ferguson gives him a deep understanding of United’s culture and the expectations of its global fanbase.
His ability to communicate effectively with senior players like Maguire, Rashford and Fernandes has fostered a sense of unity that was missing earlier in the campaign. Looking ahead, United’s upcoming clash with Liverpool is seen as a litmus test for Carrick’s long‑term prospects. A positive result could cement his status as the club’s next full‑time manager, while a setback would likely prompt the board to reassess.
Nevertheless, the consensus among pundits is that the momentum generated under Carrick is hard to ignore, and his track record this season provides a compelling argument for continuity. In summary, the combination of a strong league position, a series of impressive wins, and praise from former players and pundits alike positions Michael Carrick as the leading candidate to take charge of Manchester United permanently next season.
The club’s fans, the board, and the broader football community will be watching closely as the final fixtures unfold, hoping that Carrick can guide United back to the Champions League and restore the club’s historic stature.