Departing Manchester United star Casemiro has said it is a "big problem" that there is even a debate regarding Michael Carrick's future as manager. The five-time Champions League winner has even endorsed comparisons drawing parallels between Carrick and club icon Sir Alex Ferguson.
Casemiro's Full Support for Carrick
The 34-year-old, who looks set to join Inter Miami when his contract expires this summer, has experienced a renaissance since Carrick took charge in January. Casemiro appeared on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel and gave Carrick his full support to land the permanent role. When questioned by Ferdinand about his reasoning, he outlined the swift improvements Carrick has introduced at Old Trafford.
"He deserves to stay," said the Brazilian. "The team plays very good. He will win any games. The team improves day by day. Game by game the team improves. So for me it's a big problem because in my opinion he deserved this opportunity. Especially for me, because he played in the midfield, he talked with me as a midfielder to a midfielder, it's easier. But for me, he deserved the opportunity because the team is very comfortable. The team plays very good. We have big wins. So for me he deserved this opportunity."
What Makes Carrick Special
Ferdinand pressed further about what makes Carrick's methods so straightforward to work under. Casemiro revealed it is because "he's played at this level," drawing comparisons to former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. More particularly, Casemiro said the best aspect of Carrick is his understanding and knowledge of United. He cited the recent clash with Leeds last month to highlight the manager's nous and grasp of what matters to the club.
"He's very intelligent," Casemiro continued. "But for me, the best thing he knows about the club. He understands the club. I remember we played against Leeds, and the meeting is about the history this game... But not everyone knows about Leeds." He proceeded to mention how Carrick also referenced the 1958 Munich Air Disaster during the same week. Ferdinand drew parallels with that type of approach to his former manager: "Like Ferguson. This is what Ferguson does."
"It's amazing. Yeah," said Casemiro. "Because you see in the meeting he knows where to be. He knows, and for me [this] is very important."
Carrick's Impact and Future
United went on to lose that match 2-1 at home to Leeds, courtesy of two superb finishes from Noah Okafor. Casemiro himself netted United's only consolation, while Lisandro Martinez was given his marching orders. Carrick would no doubt feel flattered by any comparison to his old United chief. His deep-rooted knowledge of the club and experience of playing at Old Trafford sets him apart from certain predecessors in the dugout, such as Ruben Amorim. The Old Trafford legend has made good use of his time by capitalising on the strengths available to him. While he may still be relatively green as a senior coach, he is clearly drawing on every advantage at his disposal to demonstrate his credentials.
Head to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel to watch part 2 of the full interview live from 8am on Wednesday 13th May.
