Manchester United’s senior players have been won over by Michael Carrick and ‘the majority’ of the squad would reportedly be keen for the interim head coach to be offered a long-term contract.
The Red Devils found themselves in a state of disarray when Carrick took over the reins on a temporary basis last month, with Ruben Amorim picking up just three wins from his final 11 matches at the helm.
Darren Fletcher struggled to steady the ship while in charge as caretaker manager, overseeing a 2-2 draw away to lowly Burnley before suffering defeat to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.
But since picking up the pieces from Fletcher, Carrick has led the side to five wins from a possible six in the English top flight and, in the process, brought a sense of optimism back to the fanbase which has been so badly lacking in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The 44-year-old – who won five Premier League titles during his playing days at Old Trafford – will hope to continue his unbeaten run when his side return to action at home to Crystal Palace this afternoon.
A host of high-profile managers were linked with the United job in the wake of Amorim’s dismissal, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner.
But Tuchel, who at one stage was viewed as the outstanding candidate, went on to effectively rule himself out of the running by extending his deal with England until Euro 2028.
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According to The Sun, though, Carrick’s impressive start has been such that senior members of the dressing room now want the ex-United, Tottenham and England midfielder to be appointed on a full-time basis.
It’s claimed the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have all been blown away by Carrick’s tactical approach and his ‘knowledge of the world game’.
Carrick’s current contract at the Theatre of Dreams runs through to the end of the 2025/26 campaign and the club are yet to provide any assurances over his future beyond the summer.
United’s decision could ultimately come down to whether or not Carrick succeeds in steering the club to Champions League qualification, with the side positioned currently positioned strongly in fourth place.
‘Michael has come in and done great because he has been a breath of fresh air,’ an Old Trafford source is reported to have told The Sun.
‘Some of the players expected that, because playing for Amorim was like playing chess.
‘You had to follow his rules to the tee, whereas Michael has told them to express themselves.
‘What they are really impressed with is his knowledge of the game.’
The source added: ‘He knows about players in other leagues and clearly spends an awful lot of time thinking about football and following it.
‘The players know it’s not their decision, but the majority would be happy if he got the job permanently.’
Former United players and club legends have been split when it comes to the manager’s position, with both Gary Neville and Roy Keane voicing their doubts above Carrick’s long-term credentials.
However, Juan Mata, who shared a dressing room with Carrick for five seasons, believes his former team-mate has proven he is ‘capable’ in his audition for the permanent job.
On suggestions that Carrick should be given a full-time deal, the ex-United and Spain midfielder told talkSPORT: ‘Well, Michael is very capable.
‘He’s a very intelligent guy. First of all, as a person, I love him.
‘He was a fantastic team-mate, always there for you, he never wanted to take the spotlight but he let his football talk.
‘He was very important for the team always, looking for these passes, especially for players like me in between the lines.’
According to Mata, Carrick is simply replicating what he did so brillianty during his playing days in quietly setting an ‘example’ for those around him to follow.
‘In the dressing room, he was an example for all of us: his character and his professionalism,’ the Spaniard added.
‘And again, I said it, he’s a very intelligent guy that loves the game and I’m very happy that he’s getting the results that the club need.
‘He knows how to get to the players, of course, and I’m enjoying watching the games at the moment.’
Has Carrick done enough to be given the full-time job?
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Yes
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No
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