Saturday evening marked yet another vital win for Michael Carrick during his interim tenure as Manchester United head coach.
Remarkably, despite a growing social narrative, his record now stands at eight wins, two draws and two defeats (66.7% win ratio).
With just six additional points required to guarantee Champions League football for next season, it has been an impressive turnaround considering how inconsistent this group was previously.
Victory at Chelsea has only intensified the feeling that the former Middlesbrough chief deserves to be in the conversation when it comes to a permanent appointment.
However, after an intolerable defeat to Leeds last week, many frustrated punters took to social media to spew some rather over-the-top reactions.
Questions have been raised about the former midfielder’s suitability and apparent inaction on the sidelines, leading others to suggest that Carrick is not the optimal choice after all to lead the Red Devils into a new era.
This, to me, was totally exaggerated and unfounded based on what, in essence, was a rusty, subpar performance against a fired-up foe battling to ensure their Premier League survival.
Determined display has Manchester United dreaming of Champions League football.
The 20-time English champions entered a huge game at Stamford Bridge against a direct rival, with both vying for one of the coveted Champions League places, needing a reaction.
The task was made all the more difficult following the controversial bans for Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, which were upheld.
Additionally, a training ground injury to Leny Yoro meant that United were struggling to cobble together a defensive pairing, alongside the long-term absence of Matthijs de Ligt.
Inevitably, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven was drafted in to start his first game since January, partnered by Noussair Mazraoui, a natural fullback by trade.
Despite the challenging circumstances, both men performed admirably, playing a crucial role in their side’s London triumph, with the teenager earning widespread recognition.
“They’re the moments we live for, really, that’s why we’re in it,” a visibly delighted Carrick said afterwards.
“For big games, important games, big performances. And then for the supporters to feel it, it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that and see all the people enjoying it so much.
“That’s the beauty of football and the pure form of it.”
The Wallsend native cut a typically calm figure in West London, and, if he was feeling any pressure to win, he certainly didn’t show it.
“It was a game for a result, and we managed to find it,” he added.
At some point in the not-so-distant future, there will be clarity over Carrick’s stay. Other names have surfaced in the past seven days, including Julian Nagelsmann and Andoni Iraola.
Nonetheless, it feels like the former United midfielder has just come through a big moment with a lot at stake, especially considering the mitigating factors at play.
Due diligence is occurring behind the scenes, and rightly so. That is the least we should expect at Old Trafford.
Still, the gaffer has certainly done enough to throw his hat in the ring, and it’s best to ignore those detracting from his capabilities for attention.
Would you like to see United reward Michael Carrick with a long-term deal? If not, then who would you choose?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels – photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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