Michael Carrick has made a huge impact at Manchester United since replacing Ruben Amorim – both in the win over Manchester City and in the shadows at Carrington.
Michael Carrick takes over Manchester United training (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
When Michael Carrick met with Manchester United’s owner last week, he outlined his vision for what could help make the team successful again.
This didn’t require stating the obvious of winning the match. His blueprint for how to give United the best chance of winning the game. Joel, Avi Glaser and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were said to have been hooked on the words that fell from Carrick’s lips.
The executive meeting was scheduled to be held in Monaco. However, Carrick could not justify going to the south of France when he had important work to do at the training ground. He told his bosses he would take a different approach to training and match preparation. He said he was investing in quality rather than quantity. Talking to each other and being honest, even if it’s brutal at times, is just as valuable as having the ball at your feet on the practice range.
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According to club officials, Ratcliffe was impressed by the new interim manager’s “calm and intelligent demeanor.”
Carrick knew that his team would have even more enthusiasm and energy after returning to the club. That a new face, familiar to some, would energize the group.
However, he spoke to assistant Steve Holland before his first training session and discussed the importance of making the most of his improved mood.
Behind the scenes, Harry Maguire revealed to his team-mates how United have rehired a man who has the club’s ideals in his blood.
Carrick gave Holland free rein to plan and conduct sessions at Carrington. Gareth Southgate entrusted him with the same responsibility when he was England manager. It worked for him – and Carrick doesn’t see why the same thing can’t happen to him.
Carrick continues to be the manager and has the final say on the team’s decisions, but is humbled by Holland’s far superior coaching experience. Sessions will be shorter and more focused. Players were impressed by the attention to detail.
Manchester United assistant head coach Steve Holland in training (Image: Manchester United, Getty Images)
Coach Carrick is encouraging his team not to rush off the practice field when it’s time to go home. He wants to build and develop relationships. And he wants to go into the field to see which ones work and which ones don’t.
He elaborated that being a United employee, not to mention being a highly paid player, should always be considered one of the ultimate privileges in football.
Carrick decided to talk to certain people whose future seemed uncertain. Koby Mainu, Patrick Dawg and Joshua Zirkzee have all been told to focus on United and their immediate futures.
Ahead of their home games, United will arrive at Old Trafford later than they did under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Carrick wants to give his team the best possible greeting and also interact with supporters after the game. He also wants players to spend less time wandering around before kickoff.
Amorim sometimes sent his players home after games without giving much feedback. But Carrick took the opposite stance after United’s first game in charge, when they beat Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Win, lose or draw, no one leaves the home dressing room without feeling grateful. Carrick has also played in youth matches. He knows that his actions are exemplary. And the fact that he’s prepared to do something that some of his predecessors didn’t do (though Amorim did) shows how committed he is to this project.
Michael Carrick applauds after Manchester United’s derby victory in January 2026 (Image: Getty Images)
Carrick’s return coincides with United being embroiled in a relentless debate about the value and nature of criticism leveled at them by experts, particularly former players.
It turned toxic, but Carrick refused to get involved, making it clear to the players and coaching staff that there were more pressing and important issues to resolve. And without having to focus on European football, Carrick knows he has more time than usual to think of solutions.
But even if he does get a result at Arsenal this weekend, his belief will remain the same. A single swallow cannot make a summer.
By the summer, he will have left no stone unturned towards his goal of becoming United’s permanent manager.
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