Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s caretaker manager in January and has overseen a dramatic turnaround in form, prompting calls for him to take over the job permanently.
Harry Maguire backs Michael Carrick for permanent Manchester United job
Harry Maguire has given his full support to ‘amazing’ Michael Carrick to win a permanent job at Manchester United.
Carrick has brought about a remarkable turnaround in United’s fortunes since taking over as caretaker manager, winning seven of his 10 games and pushing them towards Champions League qualification.
It is clear that former United star Carrick has strong support from the dressing room, with Maguire insisting it is up to the players to ensure they are in the top four and then trusts the hierarchy to make the right decisions.
Maguire expects another “big summer” in terms of recruitment, but added that Carrick is qualified to be “first in line” when it comes to appointing the next manager.
United defender Maguire said: “Listen, Carrick came in. He was fantastic. He speaks really, really well. He’s very good tactically. He’s very good tactically.”
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“He’s brought in a great staff. Steve Holland is great at bringing in his experience and people he can rely on.”
“He has Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans, who have helped the young defenders at the club and all the defenders have given us tips.
“Listen, it’s not up to us. I think there’s still seven games left. We’ve put ourselves in a great position. I think we have to finish the season on a strong note, and I think he should join the mix of other candidates right away and let the process begin.”
“It’s going to go well, it’s going to be a thorough process and it’s going to be a great summer. We know that for Manchester United. We need bodies to help the team. We need bodies to help the team. We know that. We need to improve the team. We need more bodies. It’s going to be a big recruitment in the management and I’m sure the hierarchy will respond appropriately.”
Maguire praises the influence Carrick has had since taking the reins at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
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While he praises the man currently in the United dugout, Maguire has made sure he has some replacements in place.
Ruben Amorim was sacked after a tumultuous 14 months in charge, and Michael Carrick was appointed after leading the club to third place and on track to qualify for the Champions League.
But Maguire insisted Amorim was instrumental in getting the club back on track and deserves credit for the turnaround in fortunes.
Maguire said: “I think Ruben has treated me very well. When I was doing well I played almost every game under him.”
“I don’t have a lot of bad things to say about Ruben. I really like him. I think he has great ideas, which didn’t work at Manchester United. I can’t say anything about him.”
The United defender has told his former manager he wants him to continue his long and successful career (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“I believe he will continue to have a great career, go to the next club and probably win a lot of football matches.
“It didn’t work, it didn’t work and I think we as players have to take a lot of responsibility for that as well.
“But I think he has led the club in a certain direction and I think he deserves a lot of credit for that. He has built a good, solid team and I believe he deserves credit for that.”
Maguire revealed that he spoke to Amorim after his departure and is confident he will bounce back.
“I spoke to him when he left and he wished us the best,” Maguire said. “I’m sure he was upset, but I know he’s still really young and I’m sure he’ll do great things in the management field.”
Maguire has returned to his favored back-four role since Carrick took over, but says he didn’t mind playing in a back-three…but claimed everyone thought it was because he was too old.
He added: “Obviously with Michael coming in we changed the formation and started playing in a back four. Personally, I prefer playing in a back four. The best part of my career was playing in a back four.”
Maguire will return to the England squad and make his last appearance in 2024 (Image: Michael Regan/The FA via Getty Images)
“I played in the back five a few times under Gareth Southgate, in the first tournament in Russia and then in the lead up to the Euros. “I felt like I was at the best of my career when I played in the back four.
“When you’re playing in the back five and you’re playing in the middle, people automatically think you’re a little older and can’t move much. And you’re protected, and you’re protected!”
“But I’ve always said I prefer playing with a back four. I feel I can play more attackingly, I can play more on the front foot. I feel like that’s a big part of my game.”
Despite Carrick’s impressive performance in leading United to third place, it is by no means certain that he will become the next permanent manager after Amorim was sacked in January.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was an early favorite to win the title, but those chances evaporated after a disappointing performance with Thomas Tuchel remaining in England until 2028.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique would be a dream appointment for many fans, but it seems unlikely that he would be lured away.
United are also keen to sign midfield talent, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson at the top of their list, and they also plan to spend big on the market.
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