Manchester United fans have a chant for Michael Carrick, with one line going: “hard to believe it’s not Scholes.” The lyric captures the essence of Carrick: calm, humble, and quietly essential.
In today’s media-driven football world, Carrick is a rare personality. As a player, he never sought the spotlight, a choice that some felt worked against him. Even during his managerial stint at Middlesbrough, he remained professional and focused, rarely making headlines.
Now, after leaving Boro, Carrick is poised for a return to the big stage. He is expected to take charge of the Manchester derby against City this Saturday.
The question is: what makes Carrick so compelling for Manchester United, and can he bring order back to the chaos at Old Trafford?
The Unsung Hero of Old Trafford
Carrick is no stranger to Manchester United. Ironically, alongside Darren Fletcher, he featured in a legends match against Celtic last September.
In November, he returned to Old Trafford to support the annual Manchester United Foundation fundraiser, helping raise over £30,000 for community projects.
Most memorably, Carrick made 464 appearances over 12 years for the Red Devils. He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Champions League, Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Yet, he was never Premier League Player of the Month and only made the Team of the Year once, in 2013. For England, he earned 34 caps, including being part of the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads, though he played just once. When asked about feeling underappreciated, Carrick simply smiled: “That’s football.”
A Promising Start as a Manager
As a coach, Carrick maintains the same understated demeanor: polite, approachable, and not seeking sensationalism. One moment fans still recall is his energetic celebration after a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United in February 2023—quite the contrast to his normally calm personality.
At Middlesbrough, he earned respect for being concise, wise, and popular among players. When he arrived in Teesside in October 2022, he revitalized a club on the brink of relegation, implementing an attractive, possession-based style of football.
After losing his first game against Preston, Boro won 16 of their next 22 matches. Carrick used flexible formations, including three central defenders, and recorded three goals or more in 11 games.
By March 18, Boro was just three points shy of automatic promotion. Chuba Akpom scored 29 goals, and a Premier League return after six years seemed within reach.
A Difficult Ending at Middlesbrough
However, Boro’s form dipped at a crucial stage. In their final eight matches, they only won twice, missing automatic promotion by 16 points and losing to Coventry in the playoff semi-finals, scoring just once across two legs.
The following seasons were also inconsistent. The first season failed to recover after a poor start, while the second saw five consecutive defeats in January and February. One positive was reaching the 2023/24 Carabao Cup semi-finals before losing to Chelsea.
Carrick also faced external challenges: Akpom’s sale to Ajax in 2023, five key loanees not returning, and Morgan Rogers’ £15 million transfer to Aston Villa in February 2024.
Critics noted Carrick’s reliance on the 4-2-3-1 formation without a clear “Plan B.” He defended himself firmly: “I won’t change my style. This is what I know and believe. We won’t be good coaches if we suddenly go down a completely different path.”
Despite this, Carrick is tactically flexible. On Match of the Day 2 last October, he detailed United’s victory over Brighton: how forwards moved up and back, Luke Shaw pushed forward, and how Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes managed space.
“Ultimately, it’s about numbers and space,” he explained.
“You can see something being built through those connections,” he added, highlighting his cerebral approach to game management.
Why Carrick Is an Attractive Option for Manchester United
Carrick brings a unique combination of calm authority, tactical intelligence, and player respect. He understands Old Trafford’s culture, having been part of its glory years, and he is familiar with the modern Premier League’s pressures.
His understated leadership contrasts with the volatility often associated with high-profile managers, offering a steadying hand during a turbulent period.
For United fans and insiders, Carrick represents continuity, credibility, and a potential bridge toward long-term stability. Whether he can transform temporary stewardship into a lasting managerial legacy remains to be seen—but his track record, both as a player and at Middlesbrough, suggests he has the temperament and tactical insight to give it a serious attempt.
Manchester United supporters will be watching closely, as the remainder of the 2025/26 season could define the club’s direction for years to come.
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