Man Utd job feels 'natural' to Carrick

TL;DR

Michael Carrick feels 'natural' as Manchester United manager after leading the team back to the Champions League. United secured a top-five Premier League finish by defeating Liverpool 3-2, marking Carrick's successful first season in charge.

Key points

Michael Carrick feels 'natural' in his role as Manchester United manager
United secured a Champions League spot by defeating Liverpool 3-2
Carrick's primary goal was to return to the Champions League
He is the frontrunner for the permanent manager position
United aims to strengthen their squad in the transfer market

Mentioned in this story

Michael CarrickMohamed SalahAlexander IsakHugo EkitikeKobbie MainooAndoni IraolaJulian Nagelsmann

Manchester UnitedLiverpool

Michael Carrick has led Manchester United back into the Champions League (Darren Staples) (Darren Staples/AFP/AFP) Michael Carrick said he feels like a "natural" in the pressurised role as Manchester United manager after securing a return to the Champions League next season. United beat Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday to guarantee a top-five finish in the Premier League with three games to spare. Securing Champions League football for the first time in three seasons was Carrick's primary goal when he was appointed in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The former United midfielder had previous experience on the coaching staff at Old Trafford and from a three-game interim reign in 2021, but his only previous managerial role came at second tier Middlesbrough. "I love doing what I'm doing and it's a great position for me to be in," said Carrick. "It feels pretty natural if I'm totally honest. I'm not being blase because it's a difficult role, but it feels that I've been here a long time. "I kind of understand what it brings, and to be sat in this position is a good position." Carrick is now the frontrunner to land the job on a permanent basis, although United have also been linked to outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. The riches of a return to Europe's elite competition will help whoever is in charge to strengthen the United squad in the transfer market. However, Carrick said the club must be aiming even higher after 13 years without winning the Premier League. "When we came in, I think Champions League, to be honest, was a little bit in the distance," he added. "To be where we are with three games to go, there's a lot of satisfaction that comes with that, but that can't be everything." An 11th league defeat of the season leaves Liverpool with work to do if they are to secure Champions League qualification. The depleted Reds, shorn of , and in attack, battled back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 before 's late winner. Arne Slot said his side's second half performance showed they were capable of getting a result despite their absentees and he was frustrated by a lack of concentration in the lead up to United's winner. "As always, one moment of switching off immediately leads to us conceding a goal," said Slot, whose own job is under scrutiny just a year on from winning the league. "So many times this season it was waiting for us to score one and then we conceded because we switched off for one or two seconds in a crucial moment." kca/pb

Q&A

How did Michael Carrick secure Manchester United's Champions League spot?

Michael Carrick secured Manchester United's Champions League spot by leading the team to a 3-2 victory over Liverpool, ensuring a top-five finish in the Premier League.

What are Michael Carrick's future prospects as Manchester United manager?

Michael Carrick is currently the frontrunner to become the permanent Manchester United manager after his successful interim tenure, which has included a return to the Champions League.

What challenges does Manchester United face after returning to the Champions League?

Manchester United faces the challenge of strengthening their squad in the transfer market while aiming to end a 13-year wait for a Premier League title.