Can frontrunner Carrick really take Manchester United to next level?

He has deservedly been hailed for returning his former club to the promised land, a feat that may well have made him the favourite over other candidates including outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola all along, and it could take the pressure off going forward.

It would be unrealistic to suggest that United could go and win next year’s tournament, or go as deep as the latter knockout stages, with the sheer quality on show by several European giants this season, but the expectation to be competitive will still be resting on Carrick’s shoulders.

And neither will the Red Devils be favourites to lift the Premier League title in 2027. Carrick has managed to get the most out of his star players, shifting Bruno Fernandes higher up and back into the number 10 and seeing big-money signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha finding their form in front of goal – in turn, making Arne Slot’s struggles at local rivals Liverpool that much harder to wrap your head around.

But few eyebrows would be raised if their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City and Arsenal find themselves in yet another two-horse raise for glory, just as they have been this time around. Yet Carrick, with some financial backing over the summer, could continue to surprise the footballing world.

Whether the United board sets their expectations at just that, be competitive, or higher, Carrick’s fate will rest in his own hands. He has proven his mettle in the dugout against the very best this season, while remaining more calm and tight-lipped than his predecessor Amorim, and any improvement on this season will likely represent success and a step in the right direction.

A source of much-needed inspiration

Something that Manchester United appeared pretty devoid of in the final weeks under Amorim was inspiration. They were often flat-footed and caught out of shape in the transition, something that Carrick has fixed in his short time with the club.

Darren Fletcher, who oversaw United’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Burnley just before his arrival in January, today claimed that Carrick’s efforts to inspire have transcended the whole set up and have had quite the impression on his Under-18s side.

His attendance at the Joie Stadium comes in their hour of need, too, with an appearance in tomorrow’s FA Youth Cup final an opportunity to seize a 12th victory in the competition if they manage to overcome Manchester City – lauded as one of the best academies in world football.

Fletcher said: “All the players love it when the first-team manager is there. It shows he cares and he’s got eyes on it. It definitely shows them this is a club that thinks about young players and doesn’t just speak about it.

“That’s throughout the history of the club, but when you see it in action it brings it to life really. It’s powerful. It inspires them.”

One of the players likely to take part is JJ Gabriel, who has notched an incredible 23 goals in as many Premier League 2 matches and five in three matches during his side’s cup run.

He could prove to be a valuable asset for Carrick going forward – depending on how long he remains United manager – and will likely, as Fletcher himself said, benefit from his inspiring presence at the final.

The same can very much be said about his first team.

Carrick’s next steps if he lands the job

One thing that will be at the forefront of the former midfielder’s mind, should he land the full-time job heading into next season, are the first signings he makes. It seems a no brainer, but it was something that indirectly put an end to Amorim’s time at the club.

The manager and director of football set up is one that bares some level of risk, with the former not being able to have the final say at who stays and who goes. Regardless, who comes through the Old Trafford doors have to be right for the Carrick project.

Needless to say, Carrick must address his holding midfield and left-back positions. Casemiro has his sights firmly set elsewhere, despite his own upturn in form under the 44-year-old, and the fixture congestion brought by the Champions League will require United to bolster their options off the bench in order to cope.

Luke Shaw, 30, isn’t getting any younger, despite still being able to fulfil his role as a nailed on starter, and will need additional support alongside Tyrell Malacia, currently on loan at PSV, and the forward-thinking Patrick Dorgu.

Malacia has registered 312 minutes across four appearances in the Champions League, while Dorgu is completely untested in Europe’s most elite club competition.

Though a source of respite for Carrick will be just how youthful his attack still is, and therefore the true extent of their quality is with further development at the top of the men’s game. Sesko has reached 11 Premier League goals at the age of 22, with none of his front line older than 26.

Bruno Fernandes, at 31, also has more than a few years left to offer – that is, if he isn’t tempted to depart the club at any point leading up to the expiration of his contract in 2027.

Carrick would then need to address the loss of a player who has amassed 141 goal involvements in 228 games at the club and undoubtedly become the heartbeat of the team and a major driving force in his success.

What next for United?

With Champions League football already secured, Manchester United will look to end the season in good form against Nottingham Forest before a trip to European hopefuls Brighton on the final day.

But the stakes are still high for Carrick – these matches could prove crucial for should the curtain not have come down on his audition for the role of United manager on a full-time basis, as Iraola remains without a club for 2026/27.

The 44-year-old can look back on his spell at Old Trafford with immense pride, regardless of who is handed the reigns heading into a monumental chapter in the Red Devils’ history. But with rumours spreading that he has impressed enough to land the job, the United legend may yet have unfinished business to attend to.