Michael Carrick has refused to rule out becoming Manchester United's permanent head coach at the end of the season and dismissed suggestions that the club had lost its soul. The interim manager, appointed on Tuesday to oversee the final 17 games, insisted there is still 'magic' around Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City, the 44-year-old responded to Roy Keane's jibe that his wife Lisa 'probably does the team talk', saying it did not bother him. Keane made the comment on a podcast, referencing a 2014 social media post by Lisa Carrick.
Carrick, who played 12 years for United and previously managed three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjær's sacking, indicated he wants a long-term role. 'I'm here because I enjoy the role and I wanted to do it,' he said. 'It doesn't change whatever the term or whatever the length.'
Denying the club had become 'soulless' following Ruben Amorim's sacking and early cup exits, Carrick added: 'There's a magic around this place. Results... look a little different but it certainly doesn't feel majorly different on the inside.' He also addressed the squad's fragile confidence, saying confidence can spark from a moment or situation.
United sit seventh in the Premier League, three points off fourth place. Carrick deflected questions about failure if he fails to secure Champions League qualification, saying it is 'not as clearcut as that'. Meanwhile, Casemiro's contract clause means he would trigger a £356,000-a-week extension if he makes 35 starts this season; he has 18 so far with 17 games left.
