Michael Carrick has just uttered four words that speak volumes about the new Manchester United boss. The 44-year-old's succinct reaction to getting the reins at Old Trafford suggests he is not like the others who have come and gone before him.
Carrick's Natural Fit
Carrick, who signed a two-year contract on Friday, gave former teammate Wayne Rooney a cool and collected reply when asked how he felt about his new role. "It feels pretty natural," said the former midfield icon, who lifted the FA Cup with Rooney in 2016. Those four words, delivered with serene composure, should put fans at ease after many of his predecessors crumbled under pressure.
The comment was fittingly made on the trophy-laden spiral staircase at United's Carrington training ground, a reminder of the club's historic expectations. Yet Carrick appears undaunted.
Experience and Ambition
Before managing United, Carrick's only previous head coach role was a two-and-a-half-year stint at Middlesbrough, where he secured three consecutive top-half finishes but never reached the Championship play-offs after his first season. This contrasts with Sir Alex Ferguson, who had 12 years of senior management in Scotland before joining United. However, Carrick's composure shines through.
He continued: "It feels big on the outside but when you're in it, it just feels... Even though it's different, the building's different, some of the people are different, it's kind of what you get used to from 20 years ago since I signed. So it's all I've kind of known, really. So it's a bigger role than what I've had before but actually it just feels like a natural step, to be fair. It's nice to be here. A lot of responsibility but it's good. I'm really enjoying it."
Early Success
Carrick guided United to third place in the league and a Champions League return, ending the season with a dominant 3-0 victory at Brighton, a team they have typically struggled against. Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League assist record at the Amex Stadium and was named Premier League Player of the Season. Bigger challenges lie ahead, but Carrick's natural fit at United is already working wonders as he aims to restore the club to greatness.
