Last week, there was suddenly a flurry in football circles that Manchester United were about to confirm Michael Carrick as manager. It didn’t happen again, prolonging this strange situation where everyone expects it – but there’s still that lingering doubt. I have written before about how Sir Jim Ratcliffe would love Luis Enrique, and a figure like the petrochemicals billionaire is always going to be drawn to the idea of getting “best in class” – going out and hiring the biggest name rather than necessarily the right name. Some close to Ratcliffe are also said to admire Andoni Iraola. Who doesn’t? Even with that, though, there’s considerable intrigue around the situation, as well as a much bigger debate for the United hierarchy to have.
As one industry figure says: “It’s very, very quiet. If they were talking to others, you’d usually hear at least some noise.” Compare this situation to the summer of 2024, for example, when United actually had a permanent manager in place. So many details leaked about candidates the club were speaking to that it got to the point where Erik ten Hag almost seemed to be interviewing for his own job. Now, there’s none of that.
The hierarchy are said to be “delighted” with Carrick, to the point that the current expectation is he will be announced around the last home game – against Nottingham Forest. Again, though, until there is actual confirmation, there will continue to be speculation. And even if they are not interviewing anyone else, there is still one big question the United hierarchy should be asking themselves – if only to ensure they are approaching this as rigorously as possible.
The Technical Question: Can Carrick Build a Dominant Identity?
It is ultimately a technical question, but one the biggest clubs should always be considering. Can any prospective manager instil an identity where the team are capable of dominating the majority of their games? That is the main challenge – and necessity – at a club like United, after all. It also speaks to a crucial difference between a temporary coach and a permanent one. The former generally just has to bring stability and think in the short term. The latter has much greater responsibility to build something lasting and think long term. The dynamic drastically changes.
That question carries the main remaining doubt about Carrick. United have largely played pragmatic football, as reflected by their xG. They have been decisive rather than dominant. The uncertainty is whether that approach would come at a greater cost over the longer term.
Carrick's Strengths: Pragmatism and Immersion
Some training-ground sources nevertheless insist that, even in this context, such pragmatism is a strength. Carrick came into a basket-case situation mid-season, which was hardly conducive to instilling any kind of ideology. And yet he and his staff have still been adept at devising superb game plans for individual matches. One coach was especially marvelling at the “brilliant” little gambits Carrick has come up with, such as how to exploit the offside line at both ends of the pitch.
And while there have been obvious comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who constantly faced debate about his exact coaching quality – Carrick is said to have greatly impressed on the training ground. His tactical ideas stem from how immersed he is in the sessions, and how actively he leads them. If there had been an expectation that an assistant as experienced as Steve Holland would handle most of the tactical thinking while Carrick acted more as an overseer, that has not been the case at all. He has fully dug in. The sessions are also said to be of a higher quality than Ruben Amorim’s. The players find them more enjoyable and feel they are constantly improving. That alone speaks to how the culture has shifted.
Just as importantly – albeit in the intangible way that so often surrounds United – Carrick’s experience as a player has ensured he has the “feel” for what is required. That doesn’t just mean being able to carry the weight of such a club – which genuinely is rare – or his remarkable composure. It is his instinctive understanding of what players need, and when they need it. After one game, Carrick and his staff had planned an intense session built around specific tactical instructions. Having observed the performance, though, and sensed the players had already absorbed a great deal, the former midfielder instead opted for a much lighter session that the squad appreciated. He adjusted the tempo to suit them.
The Stability Factor: A Rare Commodity
Of course, much of this also comes in the context of a lighter season, when Carrick has had the luxury of preparing week to week. The technical question around dominating games should not be the only major consideration, though, especially when that is influenced by so many variables. As one insider insists, United could bring in a highly rated name who plays exactly the kind of football they want – but would he actually fit? Would the conditions attached to any appointment mean changing staff, disrupting chemistry or making other demands? In short, it could disrupt a rare and precious stability of the type the club has been crying out for. That stability feels even more valuable given the upheaval at so many major clubs. Just look at Real Madrid. Chelsea. Liverpool. The list goes on.
Even figures at rival clubs are speaking with respect about how Carrick has restored a sense of composure. The obvious question from there is whether “stability” will only remain valuable for so long before it eventually leads to stagnation – where United consistently finish in the top five but never quite win the title; where that final piece is always missing; where they ultimately find themselves having to start again in a few years.
Two Caveats: Unknown Potential and Competitive Advantage
There are, however, two significant caveats to that. One is that we simply do not yet know Carrick’s true level. That is not intended as criticism. He could genuinely have the quality to become a great manager. He should not be dismissed because of his inexperience, especially when he has already shown he can handle some of the most difficult aspects of the United job – particularly the personality side of it. The second is that, if the current upheaval at elite clubs continues, even stability itself might become a huge competitive advantage. It could become the platform for a Premier League title.
Some sources add one final note of intrigue. With United still rebuilding, they question whether the finances are really there to go all out on a managerial appointment. If that is the case, it is just as well they have someone as suited to the role as Carrick.
