“The key isn’t just results”: Chelsea legend explains how Carrick can make his United stay permanent

Manchester United are looking ahead to a crucial summer, during which they will have to take a decisive decision on Michael Carrick’s future. The Red Devils appointed the Englishman as caretaker manager until the end of this season after parting ways with former head coach Ruben Amorim in January.

The Portuguese’s reign was marred by inconsistent results and mixed performances. The English giants won three consecutive games just once during Amorim’s troubled 14-month stay, which also saw them finish 15th in the Premier League last season.

In contrast, Carrick has already won five of his first six games in charge and has taken United to fourth in the league after 27 games. The Red Devils are playing exciting football and have also rediscovered their old resilience under the former midfielder.

The situation has prompted talk of the Englishman’s permanent stay, especially since established managers such as Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Luis Enrique are no longer in the running. Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has now provided his opinion on the matter.

New manager bounce will wane

Speaking to FootItalia, Desailly praised Carrick’s start and explained how the Englishman has done things differently from Amorim. He said: “As for Carrick – I think his record is something like six wins from seven matches, which is excellent.”

“This is exactly where changing managers can make a difference mentally. Same squad, but suddenly more committed, more energised. The previous manager, Ruben Amorim was another tactically clever one, like smart Italians – was constantly reinventing positions for players. Carrick simplified it.”

“He put responsibility on each player in their natural position, rearranged the tactical setup slightly, and it’s working. But I don’t think he can maintain that level of consistency with this Manchester United squad. There will be a drop, it’s inevitable. The new manager bounce will level out and then we’ll see.”

Under Carrick, United have scored 12 goals in six games and conceded just five, registering three clean sheets. For the record, they managed just two clean sheets in the 21 Premier League games prior to the Englishman’s arrival.

Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats

Source: Wikipedia.

Will Carrick remain in charge next season?

Desailly was asked if Carrick will remain in charge next season, or if someone like Roberto De Zerbi or Robin van Persie could take over. He responded: “De Zerbi is available, yes. Van Persie, no I’m not sure.”

“The key isn’t just results – the only way to know if Carrick will be renewed is how he trains the players, how he motivates the squad, how he handles the pressure day to day. They may have people watching internally. He’s done well, but this level is something new for him – can he sustain it under the pressure Manchester United will bring? That’s the real question.”

“But we’re pleased to see what he’s done. It was so sad to see United struggle for so long, and suddenly you have this magic – the Class of 92 bringing their belief back to the club. A strong Manchester United is good for the Premier League, no doubt.”

De Zerbi is reportedly among the candidates on United’s shortlist for the job, and he is available this summer after parting ways with Marseille earlier this month.

Final Thoughts

United’s resurgence under Carrick does have a sense of déjà vu, and parallels have been drawn with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s spectacular start to life as a caretaker manager. However, the Red Devils are unlikely to rush their decision on the permanent appointment, especially given how the Norwegian’s reign promised much but failed to deliver silverware.

Featured image by James Fearn/Getty Images

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