Joe Cole says the release of ‘sidekick’ Cristiano Ronaldo proves Michael Carrick is the right man for the Manchester United job

Carrick was appointed interim head coach at Old Trafford after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January amid reports of disagreements with manager Jason Wilcox.

The former England midfielder has helped United remain unbeaten and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with their next match away to Everton on Monday, February 23.

Carrick left Middlesbrough in the summer after a largely positive experience in the North East and is now in the running for permanent appointment if he continues to perform well.

Speaking on The Breakdown, Carrick’s former international teammate Cole suggested that his fortitude to remove Ronaldo in 2022 is a sign of the confidence he needs to succeed.

“What he did made me think he was going to be okay. When he came on as a substitute for two games and we played away to Chelsea, he left out his mate Ronaldo because he couldn’t press,” he said.

Hargreaves: Mainu not playing under Amorim for a year ‘shocking’

Video credit: TNT Sports

“I think his first job is to get Ronaldo out. And he’s a mate! He has the minerals to make big decisions. We know him personally and I’ve never seen him upset about anything.”

Hargreaves, who won the Champions League with United’s Carrick in 2008, said the only thing he lacked compared to other runners and riders talked about was experience in a top role.

“The only argument against giving it to him is experience,” Hargreaves pointed out. “He doesn’t have any experience at the top, he’s not a Tuchel or a Luis Enrique.

“But that comes with demands and expectations: ‘We want this player, we want that player.’ Carrick never intended to do that.

“Carrick is there for them and he knows what it’s like for the fans, he knows what it’s like for the players, he’s not going to get too high or too low.

“He’ll work with the club and say, ‘This is what we need, we’re going to build.’ He’s played with some of the best players Man United have had in decades.

“He knows what a number 10 is like, what a defensive midfield player is like, what a centre-back is like. He will help us in terms of reinforcements.

“So, in a sense, I think if he finishes inside the top five, he can get it. He has to.”

‘That’s what he does’ – Carrick praises Manchester United savior Sesco for late equaliser, calling him ‘unbelievable’

Video credit: SNTV

“It’s not rocket science.”

Hargreaves praised Carrick’s tactical changes compared to the system adopted by coach Amorim, who drew criticism for his rigid decision-making, particularly his 3-4-3 formation.

“Under Ruben I think it’s a back three. Under Carrick, every player except the goalkeeper plays in a different position.”

“The two centre-backs went from three-man to two-man, the wing-back now plays as a full-back. We went from two-man midfield to three-man, from 10-man to wingers and he changed the whole team.”

“It’s not rocket science. Everyone is in their natural position and performing. Put Bruno (Fernandes) in as a 10 and let him create.”

Highlights: Manchester United beat 10-man Spurs for fourth straight win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Mainu: ‘Exactly the player England need’

Cole was also pleased to see the addition of midfielder Koby Mainu, with the 20-year-old having dominated in big matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.

The former Chelsea midfielder was in further contrast to Amorim’s approach, which had kept Mainu primarily on the sidelines, so much so that he was expected to leave the club if Amorim were to stay. He even hinted to Mainu a last-minute call-up to Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.

“Koby Mainu coming in is doubly bad for Amorim because not playing with this kid for a year makes him look very stubborn,” Cole said.

“Can’t he play in that system? Good players can play in any system. They found a way. Koby Mainu came in and was outstanding.”

“He’s been in charge of those two games and you must think he’s in a dream watching that. I’m back playing for Manchester United.”

“We have probably one of the best players in the club’s history in that position who will help me develop. He could suddenly be called up late. He’s exactly the player England need.”

Hargreaves echoed similar thoughts, saying: “It’s amazing that Coby hasn’t played football for a year.

“He’s one of the youngest talents in football and for a kid who hasn’t played for a year to play against City and Arsenal and basically take control of the game is a testament to (him).”

“Carrick is perfect right now, he hasn’t done anything wrong. I’m happy for him because the fans were really suffering. I feel like Old Trafford is back and the fans are happy.”

“But the most important thing is that they’re winning. And when you win, a lot of things go away.”