Michael Carrick has made clear his ambitions to get Manchester United challenging for major honours again after signing a two-year contract extension that keeps him at the club as head coach until 2028. The 44-year-old former midfielder, captain, and coach has transformed results and morale since taking over on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim's acrimonious departure in January.
Champions League qualification secured
Carrick guided United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, securing Champions League football with three matches to spare. Sunday's 3-2 victory against Nottingham Forest was his 11th win in 16 games in charge. The club has now finalised paperwork for Carrick's coaching staff to remain as well.
"It's good to make steps, good to get in the Champions League, good to finish third, but (I want) to make this place better," Carrick told club media. "I must admit on Sunday in the stadium it felt a little bit different. There was a real togetherness and kind of enjoyment from everyone and that was powerful for me."
He added: "Supporting Manchester United and looking forward to what can happen should always be like that. That's the drive (to win trophies) and for us to reward the fans would be pretty special."
Carrick aims to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson
Carrick was part of United's last Premier League title win in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson. Now he has the chance to become the first person to win the league as both player and manager. "I'd take that right now! That's the goal and I've got to believe it," he said. "That's what we've got to aim for. It's where we want to be as a club."
He continued: "It's not so much for me. It'd be an incredible thing for me to do. But just to see this club lifting trophies and winning leagues and challenging for Champions Leagues that's the buzz. I know what it takes and hopefully I can give that experience a little bit to the players and they can feed off it and we can keep pushing for more."
Planning for the future
Carrick admitted he faces a "different challenge" having taken over in unique circumstances. He has been working closely with director of football Jason Wilcox on summer transfer plans as United prepare for a Champions League return. "I said when I came in I can't do this just with eyes on, 'it might be the summer, it might be past the summer'," Carrick explained. "There was no way I was just making decisions for the short term. It was always a case of trying to make things better for the future."
He added: "But it's certainly been an element of planning from my side and eyes on what it could look like, so it's an important summer. We want to make a big step if we can."
Decision-makers impressed
Carrick's character and results impressed United's hierarchy. After Wilcox conducted a thorough review of options, he recommended Carrick to chief executive Omar Berrada, with both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreeing to the appointment.
Wilcox said ahead of Sunday's season finale at Brighton: "Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men's team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club's values, traditions and history. Michael's achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build."
