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

omidbasir- The recent departure of a Portuguese coach from Old Trafford came after he was unable to turn around the fortunes of the Premier League giants. His steadfast commitment to a preferred 3-4-2-1 formation ultimately led to his undoing.

Darren Fletcher was briefly appointed as caretaker, having been elevated from the U18 ranks, before the reins were passed to former United midfielder and assistant coach Michael Carrick. Under Carrick’s guidance, the team has enjoyed a remarkable run of four consecutive victories, propelling the Red Devils into contention for Champions League qualification.

This success has prompted inquiries, notably from Roy Keane, regarding whether Carrick should be considered for a full-time contract, irrespective of the team’s performance by season’s end. While some advocate for seeking a manager with more experience, akin to those currently leading national teams in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, others believe Carrick deserves a chance.

Former United striker Michael Owen, now an ambassador for casino.org, expressed his views in an interview with GOAL. He emphasized that Manchester United should not hastily appoint Carrick without careful consideration. However, he acknowledged that if Carrick secures a Champions League spot and maintains the current high level of performance, it would be ill-advised to dismiss him.

Owen remarked, “What has been most impressive is the way they are playing. The confidence is evident. If they were to say ‘thank you, Michael, but we’re going to hire someone else’ after he led them to success, it would be a significant misstep.”

He further noted the advantages of retaining Carrick, highlighting his familiarity with the club and its culture, as well as the financial benefits of hiring a manager who would come at a lower cost. “Given the current financial constraints, Carrick is a viable option—he’s local, understands the environment, and could easily transition into the role without any contract complexities.”

As Carrick prepares for a chance to secure a fifth consecutive victory when the team faces relegation-threatened West Ham, discussions regarding the long-term managerial strategy will continue, with decisions expected to be made at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.