A former Man Utd assistant says the only reason Michael Carrick wouldn’t get the full-time job
Michael Carrick has been told that if he gets the Manchester United job full-time, he’ll face an even bigger challenge next season.
Carrick is now the frontrunner to become United’s permanent head coach after stepping in following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January. Since taking charge, the former United midfielder has helped the Red Devils reach the Champions League again after two years away, with an impressive record of 10 wins and two draws in 14 games.
While Carrick is the favorite to get the job, former United coach Rene Meulensteen—who worked with Carrick as a player—has shared some advice for the 44-year-old. Meulensteen, who spent five years as United’s first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson, says Carrick will have to prove himself all over again next season if he is given the job permanently.
“Michael was asked to step in, and honestly, he did everything asked of him,” Meulensteen told SPORTbible. “He brought the team back into the Champions League and improved the style of play. He definitely succeeded at both.”
He added, “When Ruben Amorim left, it didn’t take much to fix things—some common sense like changing the system to a back four and using two holding midfielders. But you have to keep in mind what Michael actually faced during these last few months—no cup games, no midweek matches, and no Champions League. Those are very different challenges compared to a full season.”
Meulensteen knows Carrick well, having coached him at Old Trafford. During that time, they won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup together before Meulensteen left in 2013.
The current Iraq assistant coach believes Carrick has everything needed to be a successful manager and deserves the full-time role.
“I’m confident giving Michael the job because I know him as a player and as a person,” Meulensteen said. “He’s calm, communicates well, and the players respect him because of his United career. Creating the right culture is key, and Michael seems to have that.”
He continued, “The real question is what he plans to do to make sure United challenge for the title next season or the one after. Some say that might be too soon, but I don’t see why. If Michael had come in a few months earlier, maybe United would already be in the title race. From what I’ve seen, I would give him the chance.”
Despite Carrick’s positive results, the club hasn’t yet decided on a permanent boss, though most expect Carrick will be offered the role. Meulensteen understands why the club might be keeping their options open.
“Maybe United want a top manager like Luis Enrique or Carlo Ancelotti, guys who have won big leagues and Champions Leagues,” he said. “That’s the only thing people might question about Michael, but so far, he looks good.”
He also pointed out the importance of the club seeing how things develop over time. “After the honeymoon period, players will notice the routines and training patterns and decide if they believe in the manager. There’s always a risk in not choosing Michael and bringing someone else who might not work out, then having to call Michael back.”
“In my opinion, the club has to weigh all their options, but Michael understands the club and what it takes to be successful. That makes him a very strong candidate,” Meulensteen concluded.