Michael Carrick has had a great spell as Manchester United’s caretaker manager (Image: Getty)
Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane said last night that they expect Michael Carrick to become the club’s permanent manager. Carrick suffered his second defeat as caretaker manager in 11 Premier League games as he lost 2-1 to rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford. A win would have almost guaranteed them a place in the Champions League, but United remain in a strong position.
When Carrick took over on an interim basis, United were seventh in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Despite the loss to Leeds, United currently sit third in the table and maintain a three-point cushion over their Merseyside rivals. The Red Devils must welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford next month. The team’s form since Carrick replaced Amorim has strengthened support for the former Middlesbrough head coach to become United’s next permanent manager. Just a month ago, Keane was unconvinced by Carrick. But both he and former teammate Neville now believe the former midfielder is more likely to get the job.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football before the game, Neville said: “There were a number of candidates that we put forward probably two or three months ago, but they may not be on the list anymore. They’ve renewed their contracts. I think they should still pursue a world-class manager, a best-in-class manager.”
“If Manchester United can sign a player who regularly wins the Champions League, or who regularly wins titles for his country, then they should definitely pursue that. But the fewer candidates there are, the closer Michael is to third place, and I have to say the benefits of keeping him are greater.”
“What you shouldn’t do is take the chance to trade him for a manager you don’t know much about. That would have to be a sure thing. His press conference was interesting. He was asked if he was involved in recruiting meetings and plans for next season and Michael said yes.”
“It’s good that he answered honestly, but I’d be a little worried if he wasn’t. He meets the players every day. He has the trust of the club. I think we’re getting to the point where there’s been so much anxiety off the pitch at Man United over the last 12 to 18 months…I think 400 staff have quit.”
“There’s a lot of turmoil going on. What Michael is doing now will be important, not only to win important football matches, but also to calm the club off the pitch. If you’re the owner and the rest of the club trusts the manager and feels that he has a good attitude towards him, as well as the manager, that will be important towards the end of the season.”
“I think we’re at a point where it’s pretty inevitable that we’re going to appoint Michael Carrick. If Luis Enrique or someone like that becomes available, I’m waiting for United to make the decision and bring them in.”
Gary Neville and Roy Keane both think Michael Carrick will win the Manchester United job (Image: Sky Sports)
Michael Carrick’s reaction to Manchester United’s loss to Leeds (Image: Getty)
“The world-class managers that have been at United need to get back to winning titles and winning the Champions League. Managers who have done it before obviously have a better chance.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports colleague Keane reflected: “This is a good problem to have. I had full expectations when he got the job of winning some football matches. They couldn’t have been this bad. Go back to last season when they finished 15th.”
“He had a dream start with wins against City and Arsenal. He had some disappointments against Newcastle and then also in the last game, 2-2 against Bournemouth. “If he can finish the season well, it looks like he can do that, and of course next week we have Chelsea and if we can beat Liverpool.”
“Emotionally, that will get the fans on side. It’s going to be very difficult. I’m sure United are talking to prospects, other potential managers. He’s in the driver’s seat at the moment. I can definitely see him getting the job.”
“And the real test will start in the summer, when we get the squad together and play in some dangerous games. I think the last month or two has been almost easy for him, and I think so. He’s just focused on winning football games.”
“If he gets the job, there will be challenges in recruitment, club management and tougher competition. If he is United’s permanent manager, he will be properly assessed next year.”
