Michael Carrick is far too seasoned to be coaxed into revealing whether he wants to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager. Experience, after all, has taught him the value of restraint, especially in moments when emotion is running high and expectations are beginning to swirl.
What he was happy to share, however, was a far more personal detail. His children were in the away end at the Emirates Stadium, part of the travelling support that erupted in joy when Matheus Cunha fired home a stunning late winner. They celebrated again when the final whistle confirmed a 3 to 2 victory, United’s first league win away at Arsenal in eight years.
Whether Carrick’s children were among those still singing their father’s name long after full time is impossible to know. But given the volume generated by the 3,000 travelling supporters, it would have been difficult not to be swept along.
A rare moment of optimism at Old Trafford
High in the directors’ box, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe cut a satisfied figure. There have been precious few moments to savour during his stewardship of the football operation at Old Trafford, but this felt like one worth lingering over.
Under Carrick, United have opened his interim spell with back to back victories. It is a feat that Ruben Amorim managed only once during his 14 month tenure, when a brief three match winning run earlier in the campaign earned him October’s Manager of the Month award.
Carrick’s return has brought six points from two games. Amorim needed five matches to reach seven points, before watching momentum drain away across the next three defeats.
Even more striking is the context. United have taken twice as many points from matches against the teams sitting first and second in the table as they managed from the previous three fixtures against Leeds, Wolves and Burnley, all of whom currently reside in the bottom five.
Six weeks ago, few would have named Carrick ahead of Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner as a realistic candidate for the long term role. Now, the question is being asked far more loudly.
Learning from the past without repeating it
The cautionary voices recalling the 2018 to 2019 season are growing quieter. Back then, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived as interim manager and promptly rattled off eight consecutive wins, followed by six victories from the next nine matches. That run included a scarcely believable Champions League triumph away at Paris St Germain, overturning a two goal first leg deficit.
Solskjaer was handed the job permanently. He later guided United to a Europa League final in 2021, but the early promise gradually faded.
Carrick understands how quickly results can overpower reasoned judgement. Yet there is little sign he is being carried away.
When he speaks of “riding” the current wave, he means harnessing the emotion and belief generated by victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, not indulging in personal ambition.
He did allow himself a small bounce on the touchline when Cunha’s 87th minute effort curled beyond David Raya. Three minutes earlier, United had surrendered an equaliser in a match that appeared comfortably under control.
“You have to ride it, and use the emotion, the energy and confidence,” Carrick explained afterwards. “But you also have to be humble and realise how we have achieved these two results.
“We can’t look too far ahead. Looking too far ahead can bite you.”
Deflecting the spotlight with ease
The post match interview brought predictable attempts to draw Carrick into the conversation about the permanent role. He refused to engage.
“I am here to do a job,” he said. “When I came here less than two weeks ago, I said we would make every decision for the bigger picture.
“We are not getting carried away. It is two huge results, but we will keep our feet on the ground.
“I am enjoying it and I will continue to do what I can.”
That calm approach has been mirrored in his tactical choices.
Clear tactical tweaks deliver instant impact
Carrick has swiftly addressed some of the more glaring issues from the Amorim era. He has abandoned the 3 4 3 system in favour of a back four, restored Kobbie Mainoo to the starting eleven, and pushed captain Bruno Fernandes further forward where his influence is maximised.
There have been braver calls too. Selecting Patrick Dorgu ahead of Cunha for the left sided attacking role raised eyebrows initially, but the decision has paid off. Dorgu has scored in both of Carrick’s matches, while Cunha has responded with an assist against Manchester City and a magnificent winner at the Emirates.
“He epitomises what we’ve been like,” Carrick said of Cunha. “He’s been disappointed not to start, but he’s used it in a really good way.
“He’s had a real big impact and two huge moments. I fancied him to score when the ball came out of his feet. He totally deserves it.”
Cunha echoed that sentiment when speaking later.
“There is a different energy,” he said. “He played here so many years. He knows what it means to play for Manchester United.
“He told us everyone is against us, so we have to go on the pitch and give everything.”
Praise grows but doubts remain
Former players have been quick to notice the shift. On Sky Sports, Micah Richards highlighted the renewed spirit.
“What a job he is doing,” Richards said. “The big question was whether they could back up the win over Manchester City. They did.”
Not everyone is convinced that short term improvement should shape long term planning. Former captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville both believe Carrick should step aside in the summer.
“Even if United win every game from now until the end of the season, I wouldn’t give him the job,” Keane argued. “They need a bigger, more experienced manager.”
Neville agreed, suggesting the baton should eventually be passed to elite level names such as Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti.
From Barbados to the brink of belief
Just three weeks ago, Carrick was on holiday in Barbados alongside Wayne Rooney. Days later, the pair were reunited at Old Trafford watching Kai Rooney help United’s Under 18 side reach the FA Youth Cup last 16.
If anyone understands Carrick’s emotional state, it is Rooney.
“Two wins out of two against Manchester City and Arsenal,” he said. “I don’t think he would have dreamed of that start.
“You’ve seen a complete change in everything since he’s been in.”
For now, Carrick remains focused on the task at hand, refusing to indulge in speculation. Whether this run proves a compelling audition or merely a stabilising chapter, one thing is clear. Manchester United suddenly look like a team rediscovering belief, and their interim manager is determined to keep it that way.