Football Daily | Manchester United and the Carrick conundrum

The Guardian Sport3h ago7 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Manchester United faces a critical decision regarding Michael Carrick's future as head coach, following a mixed performance this season. Despite some successes, concerns about team reliance on key players persist.

Key points

Michael Carrick has won nine of 13 matches as interim manager.
Concerns exist about the team's reliance on Bruno Fernandes.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decisions have been criticized.
Qualification for European competitions will increase match load next season.

Mentioned in this story

Michael CarrickSir Jim RatcliffeBruno FernandesJamie Carragher

Manchester United

TAKING THE MICHAEL

Having “given it Carrick ‘til the end of the season” and with the conclusion of the campaign heaving into view, the Manchester United hierarchy will soon be forced to make a Big Decision. Whether it has involved laying off staff, spending the thick end of £40m hiring and firing head coaches and suits in the middle of an economy drive or airing his opinions on immigrants, many of the decisions Big Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made have been bad. There’s no guarantee he’ll pick the right head coach to lead the club into next season. On the face of it, Michael Carrick has done a decent job. helping mastermind victory in nine of his 13 matches in charge, while his narrowed eyes, bestubbled jaw and the upturned collar of his black wool-blend overcoat lend him the air of an unflappable Berlin-based intelligence officer in a gritty cold war spy thriller. Softly spoken, liked by United fans and players, he seems the easy (possibly even obvious) option now Bigger Cup football has been all but secured for next season.

Of course a more cynical email than Football Daily might be inclined to point out that in whipping the unmotivated rabble Ruben Amorim left behind into shape, Carrick has not exactly performed miracles, but simply decided to pick Kobbie Mainoo and move Bruno Fernandes, the beating heart of United, closer to the opposition goal. He is also reaping the benefits of having an ageing Brazilian holding midfielder who is showcasing the form of a mercenary angling for one last big payday when his contract expires in the summer. “Cas has had an influence in the group,” soothed Carrick of the soon-to-be-gone Casemiro. “He has huge experience and given everything you can possibly give. But it’s football. Players come and go.”

While there are plenty of sound arguments for keeping Carrick in the Old Trafford hot seat, Monday’s victory over Brentford also provided plenty of ammo for those who would prefer to see him replaced by somebody whose credentials are more elite. While United secured the win, both their goals came resolutely against the run of play. If an uncharacteristically out-of-sorts Igor Thiago hadn’t put his Nike Phantom Elite boots on the wrong feet, they might have come out on the wrong end of a hiding. United’s over-reliance on Fernandes to provide goals and assists ought also to be a concern. This is not least because qualification for Bigger Cup and their general improvement means they will have to play considerably more matches next season than the bare minimum of 40 across three competitions they’ll have clocked up by the end of the current campaign. “He’s going to be the Manchester United manager next season, no doubt about that,” yelped Jamie Carragher on Sky’s Monday Night Football. “The performances of late have not been great but it’s not a great Manchester United team.”

Q&A

What are Michael Carrick's achievements as Manchester United's interim manager?

Michael Carrick has led Manchester United to victory in nine out of 13 matches since taking charge.

Why is there uncertainty about Carrick's future as head coach?

Despite his successes, concerns about the team's overall performance and reliance on key players raise doubts about his suitability for the role.

What factors might influence Manchester United's decision on Carrick's future?

The club's recent performance, player dynamics, and the opinions of key figures like Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jamie Carragher will likely influence the decision.

What challenges does Manchester United face next season?

Manchester United will need to navigate a more demanding schedule with potentially more matches due to their qualification for European competitions.