Michael Carrick is poised to become Manchester United's permanent manager for the upcoming campaign, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. United have edged closer to a Champions League comeback after a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday, tightening 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. A win against arch‑rivals Liverpool next weekend could see them seal a top‑four finish and a return to Europe's premier competition.
Since stepping into the interim role in January, Carrick has overseen nine wins in 13 matches, a turnaround that has sparked talk of a long‑term appointment. Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, was unequivocal: "He will be Manchester United manager next season, no doubt about it – and you can't say he doesn't deserve it." The former midfielder's comment highlighted the "sensational results" that have lifted United into title‑contending form, even if the club is not yet under the usual pressure of European commitments. The former Liverpool defender continued, "Those are the kind of results you expect from a title‑winning side, or at least a team fighting for the league.
The pressure isn’t on United right now because they don't have European fixtures, but anyone could look at the record and see that Carrick has done better than anyone else could have in that period." United's recent form has been reflected in the live Premier League table, and the club's news and transfer updates continue to flow across Sky Sports platforms. Highlights of the Premier League are now available for free, and fans can download the Sky Sports app for on‑the‑go access. Carragher also compared Carrick's adaptability with that of former manager Rúben Amorim, noting, "The biggest criticism of Amorim was that he never adapted; Carrick has shown he can adapt." This adaptability has been evident in the tactical tweaks that have seen United become more compact defensively while remaining potent in attack.
Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports, praised Carrick's influence on the squad’s confidence. "The results have helped enormously.
When Michael first arrived we faced two tough fixtures – Arsenal and Manchester City – and we managed to take all six points. That gave everyone belief. We now have confidence that we can score from anywhere and we are still improving our shape. We need to move the ball quicker across the pitch, something we should have done earlier." Maguire added, "Since Michael took over, the results speak for themselves.
Under Amorim the games were often 50/50 and we ended up losing. Now we are stronger at both ends – defending better and being more clinical in front of goal." Gary Neville, on The Gary Neville Podcast, also lauded Carrick’s early impact. "If Michael were honest, he’d say he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group.
Twenty‑nine points from thirteen games is a brilliant record, especially after those spectacular wins over City and Arsenal. Those performances were amazing, and while we haven’t hit that same height since, the team is still finding ways to win even when they’re not at their best." Neville noted that Carrick is already thinking long‑term. "He talks about the future of the club, even if he isn’t there at the end of the season – which is likely, because he’s proven himself. In the second half against Brentford he showed tactical nous, adjusting the system when needed.
He proved he can shut down a game, showing he’s a serious manager in more ways than one." The former defender also highlighted Carrick’s in‑game flexibility. "When Brentford levelled, criticism could have been massive, but Michael quickly assessed the situation and said, ‘this is working.’ United’s compactness in the first half wasn’t ideal, but he recognized the risk and made the necessary changes." Carrick himself acknowledged United’s improved position after the Brentford win, saying, "It’s another win and we have a big game coming up this weekend.
It’s a crucial match for several reasons, but we’ve put ourselves in a good spot." He admitted United could have scored more, but emphasized the importance of securing points at this stage of the season, especially after the earlier defeat to Leeds. The Brentford match saw the visitors pull one back through Mathias Jensen late in the second half, yet United held firm to preserve the three points. Carrick reflected, "We could have added to the scoreline, but at this point of the season it’s all about results. We needed the points and we’ve had two fantastic games following the Leeds loss." Looking ahead, United’s clash with Liverpool offers a chance to cement a top‑four finish and guarantee a Champions League spot.
If they succeed, Carrick’s interim tenure will likely transition into a permanent appointment, fulfilling Carragher’s prediction and setting the stage for a new era at Old Trafford. Fans can stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and analysis, and can also enjoy the Premier League Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, entered for free.