Time for internal reflection has begun in the North West as Manchester United begin the first of 13 days’ wait for their next competitive fixture.
They do so off the back of a hard-earned point against West Ham at the London Stadium, in a draw that extended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run to five.
Realistically, 13 points from a potential 15 is a staggering return for any Premier League side, even more so when considering the difficulties this squad was facing at the turn of the year.
But for some, this newfound energy has come as no surprise, given the 44-year-old’s decision to line up in a familiar structure while employing the likes of Kobbie Mainoo at the heart of his plans.
Although Tuesday’s performance was at times flat and lacking the inspiration of the previous four encounters, the fighting spirit within this group was evident until the final whistle, and that must not be ignored.
Make no mistake, alongside Steve Holland, Carrick is building a winning dynamic within his dressing room.
Is it a realistic ask to desire nothing but weekly victories while competing within European football’s most competitive division? Hardly, and it’s absurd to expect this.
Still, while this team has endured its first setback, of sorts, under its interim coaching team, the retention of fourth place leaves plenty for an Ineos sporting hierarchy to applaud.
Michael Carrick and Steve Holland are excelling in their Manchester audition
Much is often said about the necessity to ensure the correct appointment at the optimum time.
For Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, a plethora of continental names are on the menu this summer, with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, and Carlo Ancelotti all touted as suitable selections.
Never one to shy away from airing his opinion publicly, Gary Neville waxed lyrical about the latter while speaking on the Stick to Football podcast.
“I’ve said Ancelotti [to coach United],” the former defender stated. I just feel purely because he’s 66 years of age, he’s got probably the best job in the world right now. He’s probably got one job left at club level.”
The Italian has accomplished so much in a decorated managerial career spanning over three decades: winning the UEFA Champions League five times and becoming the only manager to collect league titles in all of European football’s big five divisions.
Still, it’s widely regarded that for Manchester United to return to the peak of their powers, perennial domestic domination is a must. This plays hand-in-hand with ambitious plans to achieve Project 150 and beyond.
It is easier to list the trophies that have evaded Carletto, but he has only managed six league titles in 30 years. That is not to say he couldn’t add another English notch on his belt, but it’s far from guaranteed.
It may seem peculiar to speak about a living legend alongside a man whose cabinet contains a Championship Manager of the Month award while leading Middlesbrough, but circumstances dictate situations.
Carlo has managed over 1400 professional fixtures. Carrick has taken charge of 144 at a vastly inferior level.
Still, as a former Old Trafford star and a student of arguably the greatest manager to ever select a starting XI, there is a certain sense of belonging when addressing the 44-year-old’s place on the touchline.
Working with a genuine tactical star in Holland, the pair have amassed an 80% win ratio in fixtures against some of Europe’s most competitive outfits.
This has not occurred by chance. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again; this is the byproduct of hard work, understanding and a unified dressing room in Manchester.
That’s not to say this squad wouldn’t relish playing under a great man like Ancelotti, I’m sure they would. But could that man’s aura lead Lisandro Martinez to speak about how he has touched his heart? That is never guaranteed.
As supporters of the media’s favourite football club, it’s easy to get lost in speculation about obtaining the shiniest of options on the market, without ever truly considering a long-term plan.
Could an Ancelotti or a Nagelsmann hit the ground running at Old Trafford? Yes. But have Carrick and Holland hit the ground running at Old Trafford? Yes, and too many people choose to ignore what is in front of them.
I’m not saying that Michael should be handed the reins based on five fixtures (excluding his previous three in 2021). Nonetheless, he is living an audition with supreme success, and that should earn maximum consideration.
Regrettably, many of his ex-teammates feel obligated to move in alternative directions, but that is another byproduct of modern media.
Ahead of ties with Everton and Crystal Palace, the one-time star of Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield has further opportunities to extend his wings in the most discussed seats in Premier League football.
And, with the prospect of a return to the Champions League growing weekly, his stake for a permanent shot at the throne should be sitting alongside the leading candidates.
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