Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has thrown his support behind Michael Carrick becoming the permanent head coach at Old Trafford. The Serbian spent a season playing with the Red Devils boss during his time with the club.
Carrick is one of several candidates INEOS is considering as Ruben Amorim’s long-term replacement. The 44-year-old took over from the Portuguese tactician in January and has overseen an incredible turnaround.
United have won six, drawn one and lost one of their eight games in charge, including wins over Arsenal and Manchester City. But his unbeaten start ended last time out when the Reds were beaten 2-1 by 10-man Newcastle United.
Matic: Carrick man for the job
That defeat raised concerns about Carrick and cast doubts over him landing the job full-time. His contract expires at the end of the season, and UEFA Champions League qualification is crucial.
Matic, now playing his football at Lazio, talked up Carrick and his coaching credentials when speaking to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Michael Carrick was an excellent choice [for Manchester United]. “They [United’s owners] need to give him a couple of years to rebuild the team.”
Matic’s assessment is just what Carrick needs ahead of a vital encounter with Villa. The Englishman hasn’t received as much support from his former teammates lately.
Paul Scholes seemed to mock the Reds’ loss to Newcastle with a post on his Instagram story. He wrote ‘Michael has definitely got something special about him… cos Utd have been crap last 4 games.”
Carrick’s former midfield partner has since denied any malicious intent with the post. He claims that he was pointing out that although the team haven’t played well, they are still getting results.
Is it Carrick you know?
INEOS still has a decision to make about who will be appointed as the permanent head coach. They appear to have a five-man shortlist which includes Carrick.
Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto Martinez and Kieran McKenna are also under consideration. Of those five only De Zerbi is available after leaving his role as Marseille manager earlier this year.
Carrick has remained focused on the job at hand rather than thinking about the possibility of staying on. But he has taken to the role extremely well, regularly attending youth games and lifting the spirit at Carrington.
United players are reportedly backing him to become head coach on a regular basis. That might come to fruition should he qualify for the Champions League.
