It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for the Manchester United higher-ups to ignore the noise regarding a permanent Michael Carrick appointment. The English coach has made a stunning start to his second reign as interim coach.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in early January and kick-started his tenure with a 2-0 win over Manchester City. He followed this up with an incredible 3-2 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The 44-year-old has propelled United into the top-four race and remains unbeaten. His side have won four of five games since he returned to Old Trafford.
Carrick has a fan in Fernandes
Carrick’s contract expires at the end of the season. If he secures UEFA Champions League qualification, he will undoubtedly be in the mix to take the job long-term.
Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News reports that the club insists on a “thorough” recruitment process. If they were to ask the players for their opinions, it seems they are fully behind Carrick.
Bruno Fernandes has been “very vocal” in his support of the English coach. The Portuguese playmaker has returned to his preferred attacking midfield role and is thriving.
The 31-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists in five games since Carrick took charge. He is putting himself in contention to win the PFA’s Player of the Year award.
There were doubts over Fernandes’ future last summer when the Saudi Pro League showed interest. He opted to stay at Old Trafford, although he admitted he felt the club were open to a sale.
Fernandes is a huge influence behind the scenes as captain. He has been with the Reds since early 2020 and has become one of the club’s greatest midfielders.
The Portugal international will have a year left on his contract in the summer. Should Carrick indeed land the job permanently, he will undoubtedly want to keep United’s talisman.
‘Right ideas’ – Fernandes’ thoughts on Carrick
Several members of Manchester United’s first team have sung Carrick’s praises. The mood has lifted at Carrington, and performances have improved since the Englishman and his coaching staff arrived last month.
Fernandes delved into Carrick’s approach following the Reds’ 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur last month. He told TNT Sports why the caretaker manager has been a perfect fit:
“Michael has won everything here and he knows what it means for these fans, what it means for the club to win and how much is needed to win at this football club. I think that adds something special to the team.”
Several players have been let off the leash under Carrick, including Kobbie Mainoo. The English youngster’s future was in doubt during Amorim’s reign.
Mainoo has returned to the starting lineup and has been excellent alongside Casemiro. Fernandes alluded to Carrick giving his players the responsibility on the pitch:
“I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility. He’s very good with the words.”
He added, “I think he still remembers what I told him the last time he was our manager for our last game. I was sure that Michael could be a great manager, and he’s just showing it.”
Fernandes’ own future could be determined by the decision United make over the next permanent head coach. He had the opportunity to move to Saudi but seems intent on staying in Europe if he were to leave the Theatre of Dreams.
