Manchester United’s new manager, Michael Carrick, has discussed how his new team surprised him
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has disclosed that he was taken aback by how “together” the United squad proved to be after assuming control on an interim basis in January. Following a prolonged wait, Carrick was formally confirmed as United’s new permanent manager on Friday.
The 44-year-old has committed to a contract running until 2028 with the option of an additional year after an outstanding stint as the club’s caretaker boss. Carrick has secured victory in 11 of his 16 matches in the temporary role, dramatically turning United’s season around after replacing the dismissed Ruben Amorim in January.
United’s revival in fortunes has even enabled them to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in three years. When Carrick stepped in at the turn of the year, United sat seventh in the Premier League standings and had claimed just one win from their previous seven fixtures across all competitions.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Speaking to former Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney on Inside Carrington, Carrick revealed that, despite the upheaval the club experienced under Amorim, he discovered the squad remained firmly united in their ambition to progress.
“Do you know what you hope to see? Good people with a willingness to do well,” Carrick said after Rooney asked what surprised him upon taking charge. “The intentions, loving being here, the intentions to do the right thing. I was probably surprised by how good a group it is in terms of wanting to do well for each other.
“We’ve been part of different dressing rooms and it can quite easily go in different directions. But that was probably the biggest thing I felt straight away. These [players] are really in it together, want to do well, and are listening and learning. That’s the thing that stands out, which is probably what’s giving us the chance to be consistent since we come in.”
United’s players have vindicated their new manager’s faith. Since his arrival, United have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, indicating the squad has always been closely bonded, but perhaps needed the right head coach to provide the final piece of the puzzle.
Carrick’s sole prior managerial experience came at Middlesbrough, where he spent two-and-a-half years at the Riverside. Nevertheless, the former midfielder served as a first-team coach at United under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer between 2018 and 2021, and has stepped into the interim role on two previous occasions, following the dismissals of Mourinho and Solskjaer.
On his appointment, Carrick said: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.”
“Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.
“Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United director of football, added: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.
“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login