Jamie Carragher has delivered a blunt assessment of Michael Carrick's future at Manchester United, describing the permanent head coach as a stopgap until the club can appoint a 'super-coach.' Writing in his column for the Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender drew comparisons between Carrick and former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick steadied the ship after arriving as interim head coach, replacing Ruben Amorim at the helm and securing a return to the Champions League for United. He admits his side has not taken the points they would have liked in the Premier League so far this term, with four from their opening three games.
Title-winning form
Prior to their draw with Everton at the weekend, United had taken 42 points from their previous 19 games, which would be considered title-winning form across half the season, with Arsenal crowned champions in 2026 on 85 points.
Nevertheless, Carragher says there are still doubts over whether Carrick will be able to restore United to their previous heights, winning and competing for both the Premier League and Champions League.
Carragher's verdict
Carragher said: "My sense is that while United fans generally understand and agree with the decision to stick with Carrick, they hope he is the long-term answer to get the club back to winning the Premier League or Champions League, while the rest of the world doubts it."
"To most, it feels like Carrick remains an interim solution in all but name, entrusted with the keys to Old Trafford until a super coach can move in during the summer of 2027. Carrick will not see it that way, of course, but there are certain perceptions which will be tough to shake off."
"He is viewed beyond Old Trafford in the same way as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he was handed the job full time. Their credential for getting the caretaker role in the first place was their status as club greats."
Coaching credentials questioned
"Once they performed well it was a sensible and emotional choice to give them the chance to make it work long term. That cannot change the fact that based on their coaching CVs alone, they would never have been approached by another elite club in England or Europe, nor would others have had any sentimental attachment to consider when determining the merits of offering a permanent deal."
"To be blunt, Carrick faces an issue which haunted Gareth Southgate during his stint as England manager. He is a bad result or coaching decision away from that thorny question: does someone who was sacked by Middlesbrough truly deserve one of the biggest jobs in football?"
While Carrick is currently safe, he will be eager to avoid more criticism and get a result against United's arch-rivals, Manchester City, on Sunday.
