Manchester United’s Coaching Dilemma: The Case for Michael Carrick

Manchester United is currently grappling with a significant dilemma. Following the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach until the season’s end, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround, marked by three consecutive victories and an uplifted atmosphere at Old Trafford. However, Carrick’s impressive performance as a caretaker is beginning to pressure the club’s leadership to make a faster decision regarding their permanent head coach.

The club has a limited window to determine their primary candidate for the managerial position. Carrick’s flawless start is inadvertently narrowing this window, potentially forcing the United hierarchy to make a critical decision sooner than anticipated. Ideally, the club would prefer to wait until the season concludes to evaluate their options, based on whether they secure a top-four finish, a top-six placement, or fall short. However, such a wait may prove unrealistic if United truly aims to reclaim its status at the top of the league.

There are currently no evident drawbacks to Carrick’s recent appointment following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, who endured a challenging 14-month tenure. By steering United to victories over top teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, Carrick has positioned the club favorably for UEFA Champions League qualification, a reason for celebration among board members. Yet, his immediate success complicates the ongoing search for a permanent successor to Amorim, as Carrick’s performance raises the question of whether he should be considered for the role full-time.

Carrick’s initial goals included stabilizing the squad and guiding the team towards European qualification while allowing CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox to identify the ideal permanent head coach for the summer. The duo must determine the profile of their future manager—whether to pursue a younger coach or an experienced one—and engage in negotiations with the chosen candidate, their agents, and potentially their current clubs.

These processes naturally require time, but if Carrick continues to excel, the increasing calls for him to be appointed as the permanent head coach will undoubtedly grow louder. The club’s hierarchy will face a choice: maintain a successful strategy with an unproven coach or pursue a high-profile manager like Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti. Both Tuchel and Ancelotti, along with Mauricio Pochettino, are under contract until the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, while potential candidate Oliver Glasner will be available this summer after deciding against renewing his contract at Crystal Palace. The club must act swiftly, as any delays could jeopardize their chances of securing their first-choice target.

Furthermore, the incoming coach will likely want to influence recruitment strategies and have a say in the squad’s composition. Matters like Harry Maguire’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, will need clarity, as different coaches may have varying opinions about retaining or releasing him. Similarly, the outlook for young talents like Kobbie Mainoo, who has re-emerged under Carrick, will also depend on the future manager’s vision.

The United recruitment team has already indicated plans regarding players like Casemiro, but a head coach at a club of United’s stature should participate in squad decisions. Prospective signings will also seek clarity on who will lead the team and their tactical approach. Will the new manager implement a system akin to Carrick’s, or will they adopt a different style?

Sources indicate that United is considering midfield transfers involving players like Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton as they aim to strengthen their midfield. However, the likelihood of these players choosing United hinges on having a clear understanding of the coaching direction they will encounter.

Reflecting on past managerial changes, when Manchester City announced Pep Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, it provided essential clarity for future signings. Conversely, Liverpool’s later appointment of Arne Slot created uncertainty in their subsequent transfer window, resulting in missed opportunities.

Ultimately, Manchester United cannot afford a similarly unproductive summer. Despite the revitalization under Carrick, substantial work remains off the pitch. To proceed effectively, the club must make a decisive move: either confirm Carrick’s promotion or clarify that they will pursue another candidate. Delaying this decision will only serve to hinder the club’s progress.