Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has done an impressive job since taking over, helping the Red Devils bounce back strongly after a disappointing first half of the campaign.
Manchester United are currently pushing for a top-three finish in the Premier League, and they are expected to return to the UEFA Champions League in the summer. Naturally, there is speculation surrounding Michael Carrick’s future at the club. He was brought in as an interim option, but he could end up getting the job permanently after his exploits since joining.
Former Manchester United players, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, have now weighed in on the situation. They believe the 44-year-old is trusted at the club, and the owners could look to stick with him to maintain some stability. There have been too many changes at Manchester United, and sticking with Carrick might not be a bad idea.
Gary Neville on Carrick
Gary Neville commented on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, “He’s trusted by the club. It will be getting to a point whereby there’s been so much unrest at Man United off the pitch in the last 12 to 18 months… I think 400 members of staff have left.
“There’s a massive amount of turbulence. What Michael’s doing right now, not just winning football matches which is critical, he’s settling the club down off the pitch as well which will be important.
“If you’re an owner and the rest of the club trust the manager, like the manager and feel he has a good way about him, that will count as they move towards the end of the season.
“I think it’s getting to a point where it’s pretty inevitable they’re going to appoint Michael Carrick. I just hold out for if a Luis Enrique or someone of that ilk was to become available, that United would make that decision and bring them in.
Meanwhile, Keane has claimed that Carrick has had a dream start at Manchester United and that he has the fans on his side. However, next season could be a massive challenge for him. He would not only need to sustain his team’s performances but also deal with summer recruitment and plug the gaps. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can finish the season strongly.
Roy Keane on the Manchester United boss
Roy Keane reflected, “He had a dream start, City and Arsenal, winning them. He had the disappointment of the Newcastle game and even the last game, the 2-2 at Bournemouth. If he can finish the season strongly, which it looks like they can do, and obviously they’ve Chelsea next week and if they can beat Liverpool.
“Emotionally that will get fans on side. It’s going to make it very difficult. I’m sure United are speaking to prospects out there, potential other managers. At the moment he is in the driving seat. I can certainly see him getting the job.
“The challenge will come, if he gets the job, with recruitment, managing the club and tougher games. He’ll be properly judged next year if he is the permanent manager at United.”
Manchester United have won just one of the last four Premier League matches. Carrick will hope that his players can bounce back strongly and win the remaining matches of the season. Finishing the season poorly will certainly sow doubt in the minds of the club hierarchy. It could prove to be defining for his future at the club.
