‘Let him be creative’ – Carrick says freedom is key to Fernandes’ game
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Sitting in The Victory, Britain’s first deaf-run pub, McManaman said he had been impressed with Carrick’s first three games but believed the 44-year-old must exceed all expectations to remain there beyond the end of this season.
“Yes, he played three games and won all three, but for a manager like Michael, who doesn’t have the aura of Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel or Mauricio Pochettino, for example, and given the fact that he is a former Manchester United player, it will be more difficult for him.”
“He’s going to have to do exceptionally well between now and the end of the season to get that opportunity (permanently), but I’m kind of excited that he’s done really well so far.”
“I know Michael, I know Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland is with them to provide a bit of experience so I really want him to do well.
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‘This is a special place’ – Carrick says Man Utd want to please Old Trafford crowd
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“But it will be difficult. Given the nature of Manchester United and the size of the club, he will need to be more successful than other interim managers.”
The club last achieved that goal in February 2024 under Erik ten Hag, but could have gone eight games unbeaten in all competitions for the first time since February 2022 under Ralf Rangnick.
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‘There’s an element of trust to it’ – Carrick insists Manchester United players need freedom
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McManaman: “Liverpool lack consistency”
United sit fourth in the table, two points ahead of McManaman’s former club Liverpool, who host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
At the end of the game against Bournemouth two weeks ago, Arne Slott’s side suffered their seventh league defeat of the season, but since then they have won back-to-back games against Qarabag and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League.
The unusual full week of training has given Slott the chance to work on tactics with his players, who are no doubt welcome the down period after a busy January schedule.
McManaman was at Anfield for last Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle and wanted more of the same.
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Highlights: Wirths shines as Liverpool secure decisive win against Newcastle
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“The atmosphere is very good at the moment, but the only thing Liverpool have to deal with is the inconsistency of their play.
“They beat Qarabag 6-0 on Wednesday and Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday night, but they lost to Bournemouth last week and that’s what they’ve done this year too. They’ve been good in the Champions League, but they’ve been a bit hit and miss in the Premier League.”
Konate’s emotional celebration showed a sense of togetherness and Liverpool will need to display the same sense of unity against Manchester City this weekend as they aim to return to the Champions League places.
“Liverpool need to stop the inconsistency of two good performances followed by one bad performance,” McManaman continued. “Liverpool need to put together three, four, five good performances and they will definitely do well.
“They have the players, they have the quality. They just need to get a few injured players back into the system and they will be even stronger.”
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