Ferdinand explains why this is just a glimpse of what Michael Carrick can do with this Man United side

“I just want you to understand that a pre-season is such a defining moment for everything that happens in the season. From a player’s perspective, if you miss a pre-season, it’s horrendous.

“As a team, to be able to implement ideas and start getting things into the system, into the mindset of players as to how you want to approach the season, how you want things to go. Michael Carrick hasn’t had a pre-season.

“He’s had time on the training ground, yes, because there haven’t been many midweek games. So, I understand that. But pre-seasons are imperative. I think he’s done enough to earn the right to have a pre-season and have a shot at a pre-season. Minimum.”

Drawing from Ferdinand’s argument, what we may have witnessed so far is merely a glimpse of what Carrick can truly do with this team, and that is an exciting prospect.

Carrick plus brilliant signings

In fact, one might add that with a proper summer 2026 transfer window behind him, if Carrick continues on this trajectory, United should be mounting a serious challenge for their 21st league title.

That said, whether Carrick gets the job remains uncertain, but clarity will come soon enough on whether the former midfielder is handed the reins at Old Trafford.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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