Michael Carrick’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the derby has reignited the debate over who should permanently manage Manchester United. The win, which saw Amad Diallo excel as a right-sided forward and Bruno Fernandes thrive as a number 10, was a stark contrast to the team’s recent struggles under previous managers. However, the club faces a dilemma: appointing Carrick risks repeating the Ole Gunnar Solskjær mistake, while hiring another high-profile manager may yield the same failures as before.
Carrick’s start has drawn comparisons to Solskjær’s initial success in December 2018, when he won 13 of his first 16 games after replacing José Mourinho. Solskjær’s reign ultimately faltered, with only two wins in the final 12 games of that season. The club’s decision to appoint him permanently in March 2019, despite having no need to rush, has been criticised as one of the worst errors under former chief executive Ed Woodward.
Carrick’s previous record includes a second-best win percentage among Middlesbrough managers with six months or more in charge, and an unbeaten three-game stint as United caretaker. While this does not guarantee success, it also does not rule him out. The derby win must be contextualised: City are injury-ravaged and winless in four Premier League games, but United showed the verve and freedom that characterised their best play.
If Carrick can replicate such performances against a range of opponents, he may prove his suitability. With only 16 games left and no European or cup commitments, United are fresher than most rivals. The club must decide whether to learn from past mistakes or risk repeating them.
