Michael Carrick is on the brink of joining Manchester United’s exclusive list of elite managers as the Red Devils gear up to face Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday evening. A victory in this match would make Carrick only the third manager in club history to win his first four competitive games in charge.
Carrick’s Impressive Start
Since being appointed interim manager, Carrick has immediately captured attention with a remarkable beginning on the touchline. Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham have all fallen to United in recent weeks, a start that draws parallels to previous caretaker managers who made instant impacts.
At the end of 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjær set a similar precedent. He matched Sir Matt Busby’s record as the only Manchester United manager to win his first four competitive matches, establishing a benchmark that Carrick now has the chance to emulate.
The Road to a Permanent Role
When Carrick was rehired last month, the club’s strategy was clear. He was tasked with leading the team until the end of the season while the management conducted a thorough search for a permanent manager. The arrangement was mutually understood and accepted.
Yet, there is a palpable sense that the next five months could serve as a proving ground for Carrick. His coaching experience, mostly limited to Championship-level management, does not fully align with the traditional profile expected for a permanent United manager. Despite this, in the most fundamental aspect—winning matches—Carrick has kept himself in contention.
In his first three games, Carrick guided United to a 2-0 home victory over Manchester City, a 3-2 away win against Arsenal, and a narrow 3-2 triumph over Fulham at Old Trafford. This series of results leaves United one win away from matching the four-game streak needed to join the elite list.
Historical Parallels
The victories over City and Arsenal sent a strong statement, while the tight win against Fulham completed a trio of unbeaten matches. While results alone are not the sole measure of managerial capability, such a hot start undeniably strengthens Carrick’s case for the permanent position. History at the club provides a clear example.
Solskjær’s Template
Carrick’s current situation mirrors that of Solskjær in 2018. Solskjær arrived as a temporary solution with relatively low expectations. His experience was limited to the Norwegian top flight, a single relegation campaign in the Premier League, and an early dismissal in England’s second tier.
Yet, Solskjær gradually dispelled doubts, winning his first four games and equaling Busby’s record with five consecutive victories, eventually surpassing the legendary manager with eight straight wins in all competitions.
Solskjær’s winning streak included notable results against Cardiff City, Huddersfield, Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Reading, Tottenham, Brighton, and Arsenal. The perfect run ended with a 2-2 draw against Burnley, but he quickly returned to winning ways against Leicester City and Fulham.
This early success played a key role in United’s decision to appoint him permanently, with the decisive moment coming in the Champions League round of 16, where United dramatically eliminated Paris Saint-Germain. The comeback victory solidified confidence in Solskjær and made it impossible for the club to deny him the permanent role.
The Test Ahead
Carrick now seeks his own “PSG moment,” though opportunities for high-profile matches are limited with United already eliminated from other competitions. He also faces the challenge that his biggest wins—against City and Arsenal—occurred early in the season, before a permanent managerial decision could realistically be made.
The clash with Tottenham this weekend represents one of only three remaining fixtures against fellow ‘Big Six’ clubs. Spurs currently languish in 14th place, but their reputation ensures the game remains significant. Following this, Chelsea visits Old Trafford in mid-April, and two weeks later, United travels to Anfield to face Liverpool.
While other opponents remain important, these high-profile matches are expected to attract the most attention in the coming months. These games are therefore crucial for Carrick in his bid to secure a long-term role at Manchester United.
Conclusion
Michael Carrick’s early success as interim manager has placed him on the verge of joining Manchester United’s elite managerial ranks. The upcoming clash against Tottenham offers a critical opportunity to strengthen his case. By maintaining his winning streak and demonstrating tactical acumen against top-tier opponents, Carrick can cement his position as a viable candidate for the permanent role. The next few months will test his ability to transform impressive beginnings into sustained excellence, potentially shaping the future of Old Trafford’s managerial landscape.
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