Michael Carrick has made a positive impact as Manchester United manager(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Manchester United are gearing up for another crucial match under interim boss Michael Carrick. The club have triumphed in six out of seven games during his tenure and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run as they head to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
United’s remarkable form since he took charge has propelled them firmly into Champions League contention in the Premier League. The immediate turnaround under the 44-year-old has also sparked discussions about whether the former midfielder should be appointed permanently.
The ex-United player, who previously served on the coaching staff at Old Trafford, had been unemployed since his dismissal from Middlesbrough last summer. Following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, Carrick was tasked with managing the team for the remainder of the season.
However, his near-perfect start could pose a conundrum for United as they continue their search for a permanent head coach. Here, MEN Sport examines some of the headlines surrounding the club.
Carrick was travelling to a family gathering when he discovered that he would be United’s new interim boss. Although undoubtedly thrilled by the job offer, his reaction was reportedly subdued as he opted not to draw attention to himself, displaying his character.
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Close friend Chris Hook, who attended the party, shared his observations of the United manager’s demeanour at the event with BBC Sport. “It doesn’t shock me, but nothing was mentioned,” Hook said.
“Not one of us knew even though it was bandied around and there were plenty of people around him who were thinking: ‘Will it be him?’ But Michael was there for his family and to see his friends. He was there to make the most of that precious time.”
While United fans are enjoying the team’s recent upturn in form, club legend Paul Scholes remains unconvinced that his former colleague is the right choice for the job. The celebrated midfielder points out that the team has yet to face any setbacks during Carrick’s brief tenure and their current winning streak could quickly turn.
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“This is a very short period of time. Man United could lose next week and it would be a disaster, and everyone changes their opinion,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. “He could get the job and then lose the first three games of next season.”
Scholes suggested that the far more seasoned Carlo Ancelotti might be a better fit. “You have to have a manager you think you can have the league with,” he said.
“I know [Ancelotti’s] coach of Brazil, he’s that perfect one, where you think he’ll make players feel an absolute million dollars and he’s got experience winning stuff.”
Read more on Manchester Evening News
