Questions are suddenly being asked about Michael Carrick’s credentials now that Manchester United have won just one of their last four matches.
When Michael Carrick made his unbeaten start to his Manchester United tenure, it seemed that the permanent head coach role was his for the taking.
However, a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United this week has posed questions about Michael Carrick’s management, and suddenly names like Julian Nagelsmann and Andoni Iraola have come back into frame.
With six games remaining in 2025/26, Carrick’s only objective is Champions League qualification. In the next few weeks, United face direct top-five rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Michael Carrick’s best games are against elite opposition
In the next three weeks, United have some tricky fixtures and slipping up could cost the Red Devils Champions League football.
On paper, a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea and hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford are tough matches, but they are actually the type of games where Carrick has thrived.
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Carrick has beaten elite managers with ease during his short time as United boss, and it is actually against the smaller sides when United are favourites that he tends to struggle.
Already this season, United have beaten Manchester City and Arsenal under Carrick’s tenure, and they were easily two of the best performances of the entire campaign.
Even during this week’s performance against Leeds, United played better with 10 men, and it proved they thrive when their backs are up against the wall.
With six games remaining, where do you now think Man Utd will finish?
Michael Carrick watching his Man Utd side play Leeds
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How many points Man United need for Champions League qualification
United are currently on 55 points in third place in the Premier League table. With six games remaining, it means there are still 18 points up for grabs.
A top-five finish is enough for Champions League qualification, so that is Carrick’s ultimate objective from now until the end of the season.
Getting a result against Chelsea and Liverpool is even more important as they are direct rivals for a Champions League spot in fifth and sixth place. Even the Brentford match has increased importance as they are sitting seventh.
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There is currently a seven-point gap between United in third and Chelsea in sixth. Victory on Saturday evening could extend that lead to 10 points.
Chelsea’s maximum points available is 64 – a figure that United are just nine points away from. Therefore, three wins in the last six matches will guarantee Champions League qualification.
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