Michael Carrick’s contract runs until the end of the season (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has played an active role in Manchester United’s summer transfer activity, providing perhaps the strongest indication that the club envisions a long-term future with him at the helm. The former midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim in January and has made quite an impression during his tenure.
Significantly, Carrick was contracted until the end of the season but was announced as the club’s ‘head coach’ without qualification or an interim tag. Despite this, it was clear that he had only a few months left to convince the management that he was the right person to take the club forward.
According to the Telegraph, Carrick is one of several key figures providing input to the recruitment team of Jason Wilcox and Christopher Wivel as they aim to sign the central midfielder this summer. Names such as Elliott Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton are thought to be of interest, among others.
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Carrick also confirmed he was involved in the decision to extend Harry Maguire’s stay at Old Trafford for another year. “Certainly in the role that I have, there are decisions that I have to be mindful of. I said that as soon as I got here. I’m a part of that, and whatever happens in the future, I’m a part of it,” he said.
From the outset, club legends such as Gary Neville and Roy Keane argued that United should look elsewhere for a more permanent appointment with more experience. But Carrick’s growing influence may suggest the club may not be easily swayed.
United are well placed to win Champions League football and currently sit third in the Premier League table. Since joining the team, they have had seven wins, two draws and one loss, leaving them with a seven point difference over sixth place, with Coach Carrick’s team still having one game in hand.
The former Middlesbrough manager led his side through a four-day training camp in the Republic of Ireland last week and appears to have had the full support of his players. Amad and Brian Mbeumo expressed their support for the head coach in a press conference, and Carrick himself acknowledged the unity within the dressing room.
“I think the most important thing for me is that everyone is looking in the same direction,” the head coach said.
“Whatever is said is going to be said, but the willingness and willingness to work together and be positive, be positive and be in a good place to win games, that’s really the biggest thing for me. Then things will sort themselves out one way or another.”
Michael Carrick is working on transfer plans with the club. (Image: Getty Images)
“I think it’s great that the players are in a good frame of mind, feeling very positive and enjoying their football. Of course we want that to continue as long as possible.”
Amado described Carrick as “a righteous man.” “He was so great,” the forward said.
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“We think he is the right man because he has done a lot for the team, he has a lot of experience and he knows the club well, but we are really happy with his job at the moment.”
Captain Bruno Fernandes’ attention extends beyond the end of this season as he hopes the club’s performances under coach Carrick will lead to a full season of confidence in winning a silver medal.
“If we could finish the way we want, it would look very good, but it’s still not the image we wanted,” Fernandes said. “(Can we) be a team for a full season during this period? Because anyone can get better during this period. It’s much harder to be good for the entire season.
“That’s something we haven’t been able to do since I’ve been here. We need that consistency. In a full league, every point counts. Every little detail is going to make a difference.”
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