David Beckham has praised Michael Carrick for restoring calm to Manchester United, something he believes has been missing for a decade. Carrick has won seven of 10 games since taking over as interim head coach in January and made a convincing case to earn the role permanently this summer.
United, who were languishing in sixth place in the Premier League, faced the huge challenge of qualifying for the Champions League after manager Ruben Amorim was sacked at the start of the year. Carrick has tasted defeat only once so far, collecting 23 points out of a possible 30 in the league to propel the Red Devils into third place.
The former midfielder has made a huge impression on the team and his influence is so great that director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berada are yet to hold talks with any potential candidates for the permanent position.
Carrick’s chances of playing the role grow with each result, with Beckham emerging as the latest high-profile former player to express his gratitude.
“Well, to be honest, I have to admit that the last few months have been much more comfortable than the last 10 years. It was tough during that time,” he told talkSPORT.
“But I think Michael has experience. I think he’s calmed down now that we’ve brought him into the club. He knows the club. He knows the players. He knows how Man United play and the way Man United should play. He knows how Man United play.”
“And I’ve always liked Michael as a coach. When I watch him, there’s a calmness. There’s a grace on that side of the field. I don’t want to say elegant because I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do, but there’s a grace in the way he’s the way he is, whether it’s the way he celebrates or the way he gets angry.”
“You know, all of those things are important for a manager. And the way he brought the team together and brought the team together was incredible. As a United fan, I think that’s exactly what we needed.”
Carrick has consistently denied questions about taking the role permanently and remains focused on the remaining seven games of the Premier League.
United hold a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool and are well placed to secure a top-five spot as they have no other competition to overcome.
Carrick is under contract until the end of the season and United will proceed carefully before choosing Amorim’s permanent successor.
They include former England manager Gareth Southgate, as well as Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Marseille player Roberto De Zerbi.
