Perhaps MU doesn't need to look for a new manager anymore.

From being just a stopgap solution, Michael Carrick has transformed himself into the leading candidate for the Manchester United manager's job.

MU has been completely transformed under Carrick.

Back in January, Roy Keane declared that Michael Carrick didn't deserve a permanent manager position, even if he won all the remaining games of the season. However, current developments suggest that this once-unrealistic prospect is gradually becoming a reality.

The man who inherited Keane's legendary number 16 shirt at Old Trafford has helped Manchester United thrive with 6 wins in their last 7 matches. Including his interim period in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left, Carrick boasts one of the best starts in Premier League history in 9 games, matching Ange Postecoglou.

Instant effect

Of course, the "rise and fall" lesson from Postecoglou's time at Tottenham Hotspur, or Solskjaer winning 14 out of his first 19 games but failing to maintain long-term consistency, has led the MU leadership to consider their options carefully. However, at the moment, Carrick is making a strong impression while other candidates are fading.

Imagine if Manchester United appointed a big name like Xavi Hernandez, Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso, or Zinedine Zidane, and they won 6 out of their first 7 games, beating their direct title rivals and even staging spectacular comebacks. Then, no one would doubt their future. So why is Carrick still being questioned?

Carrick has helped Manchester United remain unbeaten in their seven games in charge since replacing Amorim.

Under Amorim, MU consistently fell behind in the race for the top four despite a favorable fixture list. Carrick arrived and immediately propelled the team from sixth place to overtake Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, creating a six-point gap with the chasing pack. A top-five finish would secure MU a Champions League spot, and now that qualification is almost within their grasp.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville once said the club "must find a new manager immediately." However, Neville also admitted he was convinced by Carrick after United's 2-1 comeback victory against Crystal Palace on March 1st. Clearly, Carrick has a strong chance of securing the permanent manager position.

Of course, not every victory was absolutely convincing. MU conceded many chances to Fulham and only secured the three points thanks to Benjamin Sesko's injury-time goal. Against Tottenham, the game only really eased up after Cristian Romero was sent off. Even against West Ham and Everton, MU didn't dominate completely.

However, it's important to consider this as the most intense Premier League season in years, with extremely close point differences between the top and bottom teams. Not participating in European or domestic competitions gave MU a physical advantage, but Carrick knew how to turn the tide. That's something Amorim couldn't do.

Exactly the type of manager Manchester United are looking for.

Carrick was tactically flexible, giving Bruno Fernandes the number 10 role, reusing Kobbie Mainoo, experimenting with Patrick Dorgu on the left wing, and placing timely faith in Sesko, a 74 million pound signing who had previously been met with skepticism. His guidance of the young forward was praised by Owen Hargreaves as "the ideal solution for an expensive young player."

In the dressing room, Carrick was highly regarded for his decisive yet non-authoritative coaching style. Without frills or a large ego, Carrick chose to allow players the freedom to develop within a clear tactical framework. This was a stark contrast to the heavy pressure at the end of Amorim's tenure.

MU solidified their position in the top four under Carrick.

More importantly, potential candidates for the hot seat are gradually withdrawing. Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are committed to the national team, Luis Enrique is likely to stay in Paris, and names like Thomas Frank or Oliver Glasner no longer generate the same strong appeal. Andoni Iraola still has potential, but has yet to be tested at the highest level.

Carrick may not have extensive managerial experience, but he understands Manchester United by heart, having spent over a decade there as an assistant under both Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer. The current results are the clearest proof of this.

The next three matches against Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth will be a real test. If they continue to win, the pressure on the Manchester United hierarchy before making a final decision at the end of the season will be immense.

Manchester United had previously stated they would conduct a comprehensive search for a head coach. But right now, the most promising candidate is not far away. He's standing right on the sidelines, and victory continues to follow victory for MU.

Highlights MU 2-1 Crystal Palace : On the night of March 1st, MU staged an excellent comeback to win 2-1 against Crystal Palace in the 28th round of the Premier League.

Source: https://znews.vn/co-le-mu-khong-can-tim-hlv-nua-post1631676.html