Michael Carrick has made a positive start to life as Manchester United interim manager and the former midfielder also impressed his players on the training pitch
Michael Carrick left his Manchester United players amazed with a remarkable show of technique during training. The former Red Devils midfielder has made a brilliant beginning to his tenure as caretaker boss until the season’s end.
He guided United to triumph in the Manchester derby for his debut match in the hotseat, before orchestrating a thrilling win against Premier League table-toppers Arsenal. Carrick will be eager to preserve his flawless record in the United dugout when they welcome Fulham this weekend.
His squad have been working hard during training sessions in preparation for the clash, with the 44-year-old also participating in some drills. Harry Maguire was left astonished by Carrick’s ability in a passing exercise as the Red Devils boss demonstrated he’s still brimming with class.
“He still does demos in passing drills and he still bangs it through the lines like he’s still got it,” said Maguire, speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Carrington podcast. He was doing the demos the other day, and I think he did two passes.
“Everyone did about 300. I think his two were the best I’ve seen out of them all! But no, he’s still got it and he’s really hands-on in training.
READ MORE: Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard holds talks over Premier League returnREAD MORE: Michael Carrick’s view in line with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Man Utd star who could soon leave
“Also, you’ve got Steve [Holland] as well there. When I was working with Steve at England, he was really hands-on in terms of taking most of the training sessions. So you’ve got two coaches there who like to get involved and I think it’s really good.”
Maguire, who has featured for the full 90 minutes in each Premier League match since Carrick’s appointment, also praised the United head coach for how he’s conducted himself in the position. He said: “I knew he would do that just from the experience of knowing Michael and also knowing the way that he coached when he was here under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer].
“He spoke really, really well in the dressing room when he spoke back then and he was really just new into coaching then, so I had no surprises when he came in and the way that he spoke in his first meeting and the way the sessions have gone.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
“And I do think that he’s got a great, great staff with him in terms of they’re all on the same page and I’ve been really impressed with him.”
Fellow defender Ayden Heaven revealed he was reaping the rewards of collaborating with Carrick and his backroom staff, highlighting Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate as particularly valuable.
“Yeah, it’s really good, Jonny especially, he’s been helping me a lot,” the 19-year-old explained. “Me and Leny [Yoro], after some of the sessions, we go to do extras and just work on that, you know, the basics.
“And even between drills, during their sessions, they’re always pulling me to the side and helping me on my positioning. I’ve enjoyed it so far. They’re a big help.”
This follows Carrick implementing a ‘new rule’ at United, putting increased focus on tailored work with particular players during training sessions. Training sessions are now understood to be briefer yet more demanding, with the squad reportedly reacting well to Carrick’s fresh methods.
The players are also said to be struck by the thoroughness and attention to detail on the training ground.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
