After six wins in seven matches, propelling them into a UEFA Champions League spot, Michael Carrick has brought a renewed sense of belief to Old Trafford. ABIODUN ADEWALE examines why the former midfielder is being touted as the next big manager for the club after Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sunday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford made it six wins in seven games for Carrick since his return to replace Ruben Amorim in January, sparking optimism among the fans.
Their performances, particularly at home, have inspired confidence and yielded vital Premier League points, lifting them to third place on the table. The Red Devils are also unbeaten in seven matches under the former midfielder.
Amorim’s tenure, brief as it was, felt like another chapter in United’s modern experimental phase. His commitment to a defined system was admirable, but the Premier League is ruthless with ideology not backed by results—a recurring theme at the club since Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Carrick, who played under Ferguson, boasts impeccable credentials from his playing days. A five-time Premier League champion, he was never the loudest voice but often the calmest presence on the pitch.
For years, United have searched for the next visionary—the philosopher, the disciplinarian, the modern tactician. In Carrick, they may have found something less glamorous but potentially more sustainable: a custodian rather than a conqueror.
According to Opta, including his sole home league game during his caretaker spell in 2021, Carrick has won each of his first five home league matches as Manchester United head coach. Only Frank O’Farrell achieved that feat before, winning his first six in 1971.
From the UK to Nigeria and across Asia, Carrick is increasingly being tipped as a long-term solution, with many fans already viewing him as Ferguson’s heir.
“Michael Carrick went to the Sir Alex Ferguson School of Management. Carrick is doing great at United and can achieve even more with quality resources,” fan Jide Ajayi said.
An Indian fan, Raman Vijayan, added: “Being a Manchester United fan, I stopped watching after Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Michael Carrick has brought me back, with the joy of watching fabulous football again—back-to-back wins, simply amazing. Manchester is red.”
Nigerian statistician Tuka Letura also highlighted Carrick’s achievements:
“Michael Carrick is the fifth manager who played under Sir Alex Ferguson to win the Premier League Manager of the Month award, after Mark Hughes, Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Steve Bruce.”
“Bad seasons come and go, but seeing Sir Alex Ferguson smiling reminds us why we fell in love with Manchester United. Thank you, Michael Carrick,” another fan, Paa Manuel, wrote.
Meanwhile, Carrick has been advised to toughen up and emulate Ferguson’s intensity if he is to achieve long-term success at Manchester United.
Carrick’s six wins from seven league games have strengthened his case for the permanent role ahead of next season. However, former United midfielder Gordon Strachan believes he must develop a more forceful edge.
“Michael Carrick is obviously among the contenders to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager,” Strachan told Covers.com.
“My view is that people often say United need a world-class manager, but it’s been proven that bringing big names into big clubs doesn’t always guarantee success.
“Whether it’s a young manager like Carrick or someone more experienced, whoever takes the job needs the anger and drive to succeed—qualities Sir Alex Ferguson had in abundance. Those are the bare minimum.
“Many top coaches are only recognised as world-class later in their careers. Chelsea brought in José Mourinho after one standout season—everyone has to start somewhere.”
Carrick’s credentials will be tested again on Wednesday when United face Newcastle at St James’ Park.