Big debate: Manchester United are in great form under manager Michael Carrick, but the Red Devils face the decision to replace their next permanent manager
Michael Carrick impressed at Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have made a remarkable comeback under manager Michael Carrick. The former Red Devils midfielder led the club to a five-game unbeaten run, including four consecutive wins.
And that sparked a battle over whether Carrick would take over the role permanently. That would conflict with the club’s original plan to appoint a higher-profile player in the summer.
Candidates included England manager Thomas Tuchel and Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino. Tuchel has since signed a new contract with the Three Lions, and it appears the Italian is also looking to extend his contract.
Meanwhile, Pochettino is being watched by his former club Tottenham. So, with United’s original plans under threat, should they stick with Carrick, or should other names still be on the table?
And will a top-four finish automatically give Carrick the job? Mirror Football writers discuss:
read more: Manchester United manager Roy Keane asks to disrespect Michael Carrick as he has long wanted to be appointedread more: Wayne Rooney doubles down on Manchester United signing after offer for Michael Carrick
Make mirrors your first choice. Click here to enable or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings
daniel ohm
We’ve all read this story before, haven’t we? Man United brought in a former player on a temporary basis, but while he ultimately couldn’t bring the club back to its former glory, he made enough of an impression to be handed the permanent job – Solskjaer stepped forward.
Of course, the Norwegian has done a somewhat respectable job, but that’s not what the Red Devils want. They want to be at the top of English football.
Do you believe Carrick is the man to take the club there? no i don’t. Even with 4 wins and 1 draw, the situation will not change.
They need a proven winner in the dugout and he might get there, but I think it’s a little premature to put that pressure on Carrick. Tuchel would have been absolutely perfect, but that is now a pipe dream.
Another former Chelsea manager could be an inspired choice. Enzo Maresca won a silver medal with the Blues and a Championship title with Leicester but is currently out of work.
His departure from Stamford Bridge was through no fault of his own, and the Blues will likely be aiming for Champions League qualification with him still in charge. The Italian may take some time at Old Trafford, but it will be worth it.
Enzo Maresca is out of work after leaving Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
john cross
That’s still no.
why? The bigger fear is that Manchester United could be back to square one once the initial honeymoon period and feel-good factor wears off.
I want to be wrong. And I hope Michael Carrick proves me and everyone wrong. He’s certainly off to a great start and having Steve Holland on his staff gives him experience and an edge that will only strengthen his case.
But the problem is, this is Manchester United. And United can’t afford to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of interim managers, ups and downs, then back again.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær put in a great performance, leading the club to third and then second place, during which time… and then Ole, who was behind the wheel, crashed and burst into flames. And then we start all over again.
Carrick is a very warm, charming and impressive person. And other young coaches with links to the club have proven it can work. Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are prime examples.
But this is a club where the co-owner spews utter offensive nonsense. This is a club that aims to be the best in the world. This is a club that needs Thomas Tuchel (oops, too late).
Tuchel recently signed a new contract with England (Image: Getty Images)
Who do you think should be the next manager of Manchester United? Share your suggestions in the comments section below
Felix Keith
If Michael Carrick can lead Manchester United to a fourth-place finish, which currently seems likely, he should be handed the job full-time this summer.
There’s too much of a ‘he just got the club and he’s got United DNA’ mentality, but Carrick’s steady presence creates the right amount. He is a reliable leader. The players respect him and like playing for him. He puts them in place, simplifies things, and reaps the benefits.
If the rest of the campaign follows a similar path, made more likely by the fact that there is nothing else to focus on because of the failures of those who came before him, then there will be a tidal wave of goodwill behind the incumbent candidate. Carrick was drawn into the role.
Of course, a lot can change between now and then. If you can get a world-class manager, you would be foolish not to consider him. But Carrick is now in such a strong hand that there may be no need to twist United’s pecking order.
Carrick keeps Man United on course for Champions League qualification (Image: Getty Images)
Jeremy Cross
There is no point in giving Michael Carrick a permanent job now. However, if he were to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season, he would have to be appointed on a full-time basis.
Because he deserves it. Carrick’s glittering career at Old Trafford gave him what he needed to succeed at Manchester United.
He has proven popular within the team and has reinvigorated the team. The big names are still there, but United went down this path with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal – and look how it turned out.
neil mcleman
Barring European football after an expensive summer, qualifying for the Champions League would have been a realistic goal for Manchester United this season. But that won’t happen under coach Ruben Amorim, and it could happen under coach Michael Carrick. A top five might be enough, but it would mean finishing above defending champions Liverpool and FIFA World Club Champions Chelsea.
There needs to be some continuity and recognition of United’s traditional way of playing, along with a strong sporting structure, to avoid head coaches bringing in their favorite players for big bucks. A proper football season without constant chaos and off-the-field drama would be a solid step forward.
Another reason to hold on to Carrick is that he is irreplaceable. Unai Emery would be the best UK-based option, but Luis Enrique is a pipe dream and Gareth Southgate, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are unlikely to excite United fans. Attempts were made to bring in a young and promising European coach, but this failed. If he keeps them going until the end of the season, Carrick should get the job.
Manchester United have become a different beast under Michael Carrick (Image: Getty Images)
Andy Dunn
Considering the efforts of the two clubs at the bottom of the table, not to mention the top two, Manchester United could very well finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Quite simply and strictly speaking, that’s the minimum requirement for Michael Carrick, that his team is mostly healthy and fresh.
In five games this season, Carrick has done enough to prove he has the potential, composure, tactical acumen and personality to be an elite-level manager.
However, elite managers are subject to harsh evaluations. And if he fails to finish with a Champions League spot, and a top-five finish seems almost certain to be enough, he cannot be given the job.
It’s very simple. If Thomas Tuchel flops at the 2026 World Cup, he could still be available in the summer, but if Carrick fails to secure Champions League football, United will need to convince Sir Gareth Southgate to make a reset.
But if Carrick can qualify for Champions League football, and I strongly believe he will, then the job for the 2026/27 season should be his.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
