Getty/GOAL Richard Martin
Michael Carrick is Man Utd's only choice: Interim boss must be given permanent role after record-equalling form and lack of Red Devils alternatives
When Roy Keane claimed in January that Michael Carrick should not get the Manchester United job permanently even if he wins every game until the end of the season, it was easy to think that the hypothetical scenario he painted would never be tested. But the man who inherited the famous No.16 shirt from the polemical Irishman at Old Trafford and thus unwillingly became his sworn enemy is holding Keane to his word.
Interim boss Carrick has overseen an incredible run of six wins in seven matches while remaining unbeaten. This, coupled with his win and a draw from his stint as caretaker manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, means he has the joint-best record of any manager from their first nine games in the Premier League, equal with Ange Postecoglou.
The downward spiral Postecoglou then endured at Tottenham after that incredible start is a cautionary tale that United will be well aware of. The precedent with Solskjaer, who won 14 of his first 19 games but had very mixed results after being given the job long-term, also weighs heavily. Right now, however, Carrick is making a very convincing case to stay as other candidates fade from view.
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From sixth to third
Imagine for a second that United had appointed a big-name coach like Xavi Hernandez or Zinedine Zidane in January, and they had won six of their first seven games—including beating the two main title challengers and securing two come-from-behind victories. They would have been hailed with no questions over their future.
So why the doubt about Carrick? Under previous manager Ruben Amorim, United seemed forever on the cusp of the top four, repeatedly failing to capitalise when rivals dropped points. Carrick has catapulted United from sixth to third, opening a six-point cushion to sixth and making Champions League qualification likely.
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'In the box seat'
Former United captain Gary Neville, recently cynical about Carrick's prospects, has admitted to being blown away. "The run they have been on has been a shock to everybody," he said. "Michael is in the box seat for the job. I think United will definitely finish third. I can't believe I'm saying that from where they were six weeks ago."
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The case against
There is understandable caution. Performances since stunning wins over Manchester City and Arsenal have been mixed. They conceded chances to Fulham, were unconvincing against Tottenham and poor at West Ham, often relying on late heroics from substitute Benjamin Sesko. Sunday's win over a tired Crystal Palace was aided by a debatable penalty and red card.
Critics could also point to United's lack of European and cup distractions, giving players more recovery time. Carrick has made minimal changes to his starting XI, and some argue Amorim's stubbornness—not playing a back four, misusing Bruno Fernandes—made Carrick's necessary fixes look revolutionary.
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Shrewd decisions
The counter-argument is that this is the most competitive Premier League season in a decade. In that context, Carrick has taken more points than any other manager since his appointment. He has found ways to win that eluded Amorim.
He has innovated: playing Patrick Dorgu wide-left worked brilliantly, as has using Bryan Mbeumo centrally. His man-management of Sesko has been masterful, carefully introducing the £74m man from the bench to great effect before his match-winning first start.
Former midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised this approach: "I think the best thing to do for a young player like that... is to let him watch and learn. And it's working."
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The right profile
Current players are impressed. "He knows what it takes to win here," said Matheus Cunha. "More than tactical issues, Carrick adds a lot from the side of someone who knows the paths representing the club. It is about winning mentality."
Behind the scenes, his intense training sessions and the freedom he gives senior players are praised. Carrick's lack of ego has been a secret weapon. His experience as a United player helps him handle scrutiny and disarm critics, a contrast to Amorim's struggles with external noise.
In a modern structure where recruitment is expert-led, Carrick's low profile fits. United's recent transfer success, with all four summer signings impressing, helps his case.
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Shrinking list of rivals
Other candidates are falling away. Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are committed to international jobs. Luis Enrique appears settled at PSG. Rising names like Thomas Frank or Oliver Glasner have seen their stock fall, while Xabi Alonso's Liverpool ties complicate a move.
Carrick, however, has seen it all as a United player and assistant. His sample size as head coach is small, but the results are impeccable. He faces three big tests before the international break: Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth.
Win them all, and it would heap pressure on United's hierarchy ahead of April—the key decision-making period. The club promised an exhaustive search after sacking Amorim. But right now, the best candidate is right in front of them, winning game after game.