Michael Carrick could barely suppress a smile when asked whether questions about his chances of becoming Manchester United’s permanent head coach were now inevitable.
“It’s going to be like this every week, isn’t it?” he said, after guiding United to a 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace that lifted them to third in the Premier League — their highest position since May 2023.
“Only a few weeks so far,” one reporter replied from the press room.
Until Sunday, Carrick had largely avoided scrutiny over his long‑term future since taking charge in mid‑January. But with United climbing the table and extending an impressive run of results, the debate felt unavoidable. The 44‑year‑old has overseen six wins and a draw from his seven matches in charge, adding to an unbeaten three‑game interim spell back in 2021.
As he was during his playing career, Carrick remains a calm and measured presence in front of the cameras. Trusted by the club hierarchy to avoid controversy, he was appointed ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer partly because there was no orchestrated public campaign surrounding his candidacy.
Carrick has no intention of openly declaring his desire to take the job full‑time, wary that such comments could be interpreted as pressure on the board. He will have other options in the summer, but it is evident he is relishing his return to management.
“There’s no escaping the situation, but there’s not much I can really say,” Carrick said. “I love being here and doing what I’m doing. From the start, I’ve said I’m not about short‑term thinking.
“My responsibility, however long I’m here, is to make decisions that are right for the club in the long term. Winning helps, of course, and the players have been excellent. We’ll see where it leads.”
After being dismissed by Middlesbrough last June, Carrick was in no rush to jump straight back into football. However, the past few weeks have reignited his enthusiasm for coaching.
Critics who argue United should avoid another former player‑turned‑manager overlook two key points. First, some of United’s most fluent football since Sir Alex Ferguson came under Solskjaer. Second, Carrick is a very different personality with a different coaching setup.
His backroom team appears well balanced. While Carrick excels in man‑management, his assistant Steve Holland is believed to be responsible for many of the tactical tweaks, including regular rotations among the front three.
Carrick has also restored confidence in Kobbie Mainoo, who had been sidelined under Ruben Amorim. Against Palace, Mainoo completed 90 per cent of his passes and won possession seven times, underlining his suitability as a box‑to‑box midfielder.
Managing squad harmony has been another strength. Benjamin Šeško has scored seven goals in eight matches despite starting most games on the bench, while Amad Diallo delivered an outstanding cameo after being dropped on Sunday.
“It’s not about liking players one week and not the next,” Carrick explained. “It’s about what a game demands. Amad has been massive for us — he’s a joy to coach — and he’ll continue to be important.”
Sceptics will note that both Palace and Tottenham had players sent off in recent United victories, and that several wins have hinged on late goals. The true test of Carrick’s progress may come when results turn.
How United respond to adversity — perhaps against Newcastle on Wednesday — may shape the board’s thinking. Unlike during Solskjaer’s tenure, decision‑makers are expected to proceed cautiously.
A final call may not come until after the season ends, although the shortlist is shrinking, with Thomas Tuchel extending his England contract and Carlo Ancelotti reportedly going down the same road with Brazil.
If things continue the way they are going right now, not at least considering Carrick for the permanent role would be ludicrous.