A friend of mine, who detests United, recently asked me about Michael Carrick and genuine expectations for this football team.
In fairness to my childhood buddy, he was complimentary about the club’s present standing and maintains that the current management team has already proven its long-term credentials.
It’s not as if I need much encouragement to contemplate the best approach towards perennial success in Manchester, I don’t, but the nature of our chat bolstered my thought process.
Not surprisingly, Monday’s disappointing defeat to Leeds led to a surge in knee-jerk reactions across social media.
Personally, I wouldn’t be too quick to lament Carrick or Steve Holland, though. Whether you choose to accept this, it was always going to be difficult to respond to a 24-day layoff.
That does not pardon a poor display, but it does, at least, add substance to what we witnessed.
I will say that a refusal to alter the team at half-time added to my long-term concerns about in-game management. Nonetheless, even with 10 men, United could have won that fixture on another day.
You may be asking why I find this relevant. Well, if nothing else, that highlights conclusive evidence that these players are giving their all for their management team.
That has to count for something in this discussion, doesn’t it?
Should Manchester United check or bet on their long-term future?
You’ll have to pardon the metaphorical expression; I’m an avid poker player, and have been invested in the game recently. Still, it’s a relevant question for many.
I am fortunate enough to spend time with different football circles. This is something I cherish.
One of the more frequent things I hear about Carrick is that he is a ‘safe bet’ and a ‘calm figure’. Inevitably, this is often followed by the suggestion that the 44-year-old will settle the ship before handing over to a continental name.
When I probe for a follow-up, it’s generally met with something resembling ‘you’re Manchester United, you need the best!’.
The sentiment is understandable. But, in 2026, when the average lifespan of a Premier League manager sits somewhere around two years, when is the best actually enough?
You can broaden this conversation by acknowledging that United have appointed six permanent managers, four caretakers and two interim managers since Sir Alex Ferguson addressed Old Trafford nearly 13 years ago.
These men claimed top honours in England, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Norway and in the European Cup competitions.
Respectfully, if that doesn’t indicate that success elsewhere guarantees nothing in Manchester, I don’t know what does.
Many of these men were indeed hampered by an uneducated sporting department that lacked a shred of Premier decency. Still, while Ineos look to have installed a capable department, they are yet to accomplish anything.
The message I received when Carrick assumed interim control was one focused on obtaining Champions League qualification. Within weeks, the internal perspective began to deviate, as many were pleasantly surprised with what they saw.
Not only is the interim coaching team extremely capable on the training field, but they are calm, professional, and entirely respectful to the football club.
Furthermore, this is more than a job to these guys; this is something they truly care about, and their efforts are reciprocated by the players. One need only look at Lisandro Martinez and his conversation with Stan Sport. for evidence.
My general expectations have, admittedly, evolved throughout the weeks.
I attempted to look at this from a realistic perspective; this was a team that had finished 15th last season. But what we have seen in 11 Premier League outings is a team that deserves Champions League qualification.
I honestly feel that Carrick will have passed his dress rehearsal if this is achieved. And I don’t say that lightly.
The way I see it, if United continue to collect points, build team continuity, and add the necessary pieces this summer, there is every reason to be optimistic under this coaching team.
As I have stated numerous times, names like Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique evoke excitement. Nonetheless, there is zero guarantee of success within the expected timeframe.
Every indication I have received from Carrington suggests that he is the frontrunner for the permanent role, despite the necessity for long-term planning and due diligence.
Think Brighton, not for their lack of trophies, but their ability to replace managers and players without any issues at the drop of a hat.
Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, and Fabian Hurzeler have all been at the club since 2019, yet there has been little to no disruption on the field or behind the scenes despite regularly losing star names.
That is how a football club is supposed to function, and it would be incredible if Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada were not on top of matters.
With six fixtures remaining, Carrick and Holland possess a seven-point gap over Chelsea. Make no mistake, the pairing holds their future in their hands.
It’s funny, but at this stage of the season, anything but Champions League qualification would now feel like a failure. Consider that statement if it were presented to you 12 months ago. Football, eh?
Do I believe that our former midfielder is the perfect manager and ideal tactician? No, but then I have no idea who could earn that title at this football club today.
That said, all things considered, I think he may be the perfect man for the job at this moment in time.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels – photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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