Three goals, three points, and another Premier League outing which boosts confidence in reclaiming a place in the Champions League.
That is the situation for Michael Carrick, who, despite his public critics, has enjoyed a stellar start to his life as Manchester United head coach.
Sunday’s 3-1 victory against Aston Villa was his seventh triumph from nine outings, solidifying a haul of 22 points from the 27 on offer since January 17.
Whether it’s Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal or Unai Emery’s Villa, the result has been the same, leading to widespread calls for the permanent appointment of this talented tactician.
Nonetheless, despite achieving league-leading form and unquestionable positivity through results, all without any financial support thus far, some continue to doubt the credibility of the former midfielder in moving forward.
It presents the question regarding what a United team actually requires in the hot seat, and if the 44-year-old is a viable long-term candidate.
Michael Carrick continues to win, but is that enough for Manchester United?
Standing alongside Steve Holland, and supported by a backroom team of Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, and Craig Mawson, it’s fair to say that morale is good in the North West.
The players appear happy and keen to fight for every ball on behalf of their chief. Although performances have been hit and miss at times.
It would be foolhardy to look at results only, instead of focusing on what has occurred between the opening and closing whistle.
Nobody can deny the end product. Carrick’s United are a winning group and have led the Premier League form table for the majority of his management.
Still, certain performances have appeared sluggish and at times mundane, such as showings against West Ham, Everton and Newcastle. And that leads to concerns about the long-term suitability of this relationship.
That said, this is a squad, by and large, that finished 15th last season. They also endured the mid-season departure of Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher before welcoming the interim coach.
Perspective is required on either end.
As I’ve said several times across various podcasts and shows, the likes of Bruno Fernandes do not require a coach to tell them how to play football.
These are world-class players who have always had something about them. They wouldn’t be at the club if that were not the case.
But the daily scrutiny, abuse, and expectations of being a Manchester United player are unlike anything else in England. With that, I firmly believe they require a competent man-manager who has been there and done it.
That is not a backhanded way of undermining Carrick’s coaching ability, either. I believe he has proven himself more than capable.
Furthermore, Lisandro Martinez’s public endorsement has stuck with me since it was released.
“You need people who understand your quality, you need people who take your best, as well,” the Argentine stated during an interview with Stan Sport.
“And I think Michael is doing that, he is taking the best from everybody. Not just the players, but also the staff, the standards, and the structure that he demands – I think that is really important.
“For me, when you touch my heart, I will give everything for you, and he touched it already. You can see that on the pitch, we give everything.”
That is a defining statement from one of the most important players in the Manchester United dressing room. His word carries across Carrington.
And although former players choose to use their platforms to gain traction through notoriety, others speak honestly without any intention of personal gain.
Wayne Rooney has jumped front and centre in support of his one-time teammate, battling the ongoing agendas displayed by others.
“100% he should [get the job],” Rooney told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character and his personality.
“It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place. The players needed some love, and he has given them that.
“We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change?”
Names like Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann offer the prospect of elite continental success, given their background and track record of lifting major honours.
Truthfully, it would be difficult to deny the excitement of either appointment and the potential it would supply.
But potential is all it would be. Neither has coached in England, and neither has entered the type of disorganisation created by the Glazers, while working with the demands for immediate results.
Is there any guarantee that they will be granted the resources and required time to implement their total ideals, given what has come and gone with Amorim and Jason Wilcox?
Instead of attempting to find fault in Carrick as a long-term option, focus on what he is achieving in his dress rehearsal at Old Trafford.
The man has become only the fourth manager in Premier League history to win his first six home games in a row in the division.
It’s one thing to hope for success with an unknown European variable. It’s another to remove a successful cog when a damaged engine has begun to purr once more.
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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