Michael Carrick admits being Man United manager ‘feels natural’ as Kobbie Mainoo backs him for long-term role

Michael Carrick led Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Liverpool (Reuters)

Michael Carrick said it feels natural to him to be managing Manchester United and that he loves being in charge of them.

United will make a decision whether to appoint Carrick as manager on a long-term basis in the summer and he enhanced his credentials by clinching Champions League qualification with a 3-2 win over Liverpool.

United have taken 32 points from 14 games since Carrick took charge, including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and now Liverpool.

“It has been a good run, we have beaten some very very good teams,” said Carrick. “Sometimes we have won it in some ways, some in others.

“I love doing what I’m doing. It’s a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural, if I’m totally honest. I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role, but it feels like I’ve been here a long time in, different times on and off, but I can understand what it brings and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in.”

Carrick admitted that United have achieved more than he initially expected in his time in charge, adding: “When we came in, I think Champions League, to be honest, was a little bit in the distance. We wanted to try and get back into Europe, so to be where we are if we want to play put together with three games to spare is a good achievement.”

And Kobbie Mainoo, who got the winner against Arne Slot’s side, supported Carrick’s case to remain in charge by saying he was willing to “fight and die” for the former United manager.