Bruno Fernandes' assessment of Michael Carrick's managerial capabilities from 2021 now appears remarkably insightful, following Carrick's return to Manchester United as head coach until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The Portuguese midfielder's prediction, made after a significant victory over Arsenal, has gained renewed relevance with Carrick's recent appointment.
Fernandes' Prescient Praise for Carrick's Potential
Few Manchester United players have expressed more enthusiasm about Michael Carrick's dugout return than Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international previously worked under Carrick during his initial interim managerial spell in 2021, immediately recognising his coaching potential. Following United's 3-2 triumph over Arsenal that December, Fernandes embraced Carrick on the pitch before delivering glowing remarks about his future prospects.
"Honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance," Fernandes stated at the time. "He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football. He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach."
Carrick's Journey Back to Old Trafford
Michael Carrick's return to Manchester United follows Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month, marking his second interim appointment at the club. Carrick previously stepped into the managerial breach following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal just over four years ago, overseeing three matches before Ralf Rangnick assumed control. Despite the brief tenure, Carrick immediately boosted team morale, securing notable victories against Villarreal and Arsenal during that period.
After concluding his initial caretaker role, Carrick ended a fifteen-year association with Manchester United that began when he joined from Tottenham as a player in 2006. His managerial career properly commenced when he took charge of Middlesbrough in 2022, where he demonstrated significant coaching ability.
Proving His Mettle at Middlesbrough
Carrick's tenure at Middlesbrough showcased his developing managerial skills and tactical understanding. He quickly transformed the Championship side's fortunes, winning sixteen of his first twenty-three matches to steer them clear of relegation danger. The team finished that season in the play-off positions, though they ultimately fell to Coventry City in the semi-finals.
During his second year at the Riverside Stadium, Carrick narrowly missed the play-offs with an eighth-place finish while simultaneously guiding Middlesbrough to the League Cup semi-finals - their first appearance at that stage since lifting the trophy in 2004. Although dismissed after another play-off miss the following season, Carrick earned widespread acclaim for implementing an attractive, attacking style of football that impressed observers throughout English football.
Immediate Impact Upon United Return
Carrick's reputation for progressive football likely influenced Manchester United's decision to appoint him, particularly as the club had also been in advanced discussions with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Since returning to Old Trafford, Carrick has made an immediate impact, orchestrating a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City in his first match back and earning significant praise for his tactical approach.
The upcoming fixture presents another significant challenge as United prepare to face title contenders Arsenal. The Gunners have suffered only one league defeat to Manchester United since Carrick oversaw that memorable 3-2 victory in his final caretaker game back in 2021. Should Carrick replicate that success against Mikel Arteta's side, he could potentially transform his temporary appointment into a permanent position while simultaneously validating Bruno Fernandes' long-standing confidence in his managerial abilities.
Fernandes' assessment now appears increasingly prophetic as Carrick demonstrates the coaching qualities the midfielder identified years earlier. The Portuguese playmaker's insight into Carrick's potential has gained substantial credibility through recent developments, highlighting the value of player perspectives on managerial capabilities within football.
