- Michael Carrick confirms active role in decision-making at Manchester United
- Influence is present despite unclear future beyond the summer
- Former midfielder expected to be part of managerial shortlist by INEOS
If Michael Carrick needed a sign that he was leading the race for the permanent Manchester United job, he may have got it.
This week, centre-back Harry Maguire signed a new one-year deal with the option of a further year. The England international has been a core member of Carrick’s team since he took charge in January. Under Ruben Amorim, he was becoming a background figure, with Matthijs De Ligt preferred as the senior central defender.
At the press conference ahead of the game against Leeds United, a journalist posed an interesting question relating to the renewal.
Carrick is ‘Part of’ Important Future Decisions
When asked about his involvement in the Maguire deal, he said: “Certainly, in the role I’m in, there’s decisions that need taking care of. I said it as soon as I came here – I’m part of that and whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that.”
The former midfielder took charge of the Old Trafford side in January. The expectation was that INEOS would draw up a shortlist of managers to interview for this summer. Several names, such as Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have been mentioned. Others have dropped out of the race, such as Roberto De Zerbi.
Carrick’s efforts to revive the club have not gone unnoticed. The club have just lost once under his regime, and they are on track to qualify for the Champions League.
He continued: “I’m trying to improve things and make things better all the time. Certainly, there’s conversations in different directions and different things that I’m definitely part of. And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need done. So I’m here to take care of that.”
Maguire Renewal Points To Faith in Carrick
Maguire’s contract renewal actually highlights some irony within the INEOS bubble. By the end of his spell, Amorim felt frustrated by the ‘head coach’ role that restricted his say on transfers and key decisions, to some extent. However, for Carrick, his title is a luxury.
By involving the 44-year-old in matters that relate beyond this season, INEOS have shown him a new level of faith. His voice is also one that knows the club inside and out. The trust could even shape the positive opinion that key figures such as Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have on Carrick. Alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the duo will have a big say in who is appointed the permanent manager this summer.
Unlike the immediate caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, it is not expected that Carrick will be employed at the club if he does not become the boss. It is quite plausible that if United do not appoint him, he would be the first name on the lips of Premier League clubs looking for managers.
Therefore, Carrick’s latest comments feel like an interesting development in the managerial race. Moreover, it serves as a subtle hint for Carrick to tell the world of INEOS’ trust in him and his desperation to land the dream job.
