All nuance is lost when it comes to discussing Michael Carrick’s future at Man Utd, but the right decision is the best of both worlds.
The future of Michael Carrick either generates “He’s not good enough” shouts or “give it to him because there’s nobody better” shouts.
Both are two extremes on the spectrum, as one passes judgement despite a small sample size, and the other rushes to a long-term project based on three months of joy.
The simple decision Ineos must make with Carrick is the best of both worlds, and allows the club to move forward with absolute clarity.
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Man Utd must give Michael Carrick a “1+1” deal for UCL objective
Before delving into details, it is imperative to note that any discussions about Carrick staying at Old Trafford will depend upon him achieving the objective laid out.
If he doesn’t achieve UCL qualification this season, then all of this is a moot point, since the club and the manager simply have to part ways in that scenario.
However, if he does, then United need to move forward with clarity, regardless of the noise around them, urging them to go to one extreme.
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The simple decision in that case is to agree on a “1+1” deal with Carrick that takes him to the end of the 2027/28 season, with the option to extend it by a year.
That achieves multiple objectives at the same time.
Why a “1+1” deal for Carrick is perfect
For starters, the pool of candidates right now is extremely thin and unconvincing, so it’s worth sticking with Carrick for a year if he achieves UCL football.
If not Michael Carrick… WHO ELSE?
Can you name a good available alternative to Michael Carrick you actually want?
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They can then reassess who is available next summer when the pool of candidates changes, and make a more informed decision on Carrick in the process.
That is because Carrick, by the end of the next season, will have given Ineos a more complete look into his abilities as a head coach.
He will have had a full pre-season, played a part in shaping the transfer strategy, managed his squad in four competitions, and taken charge of a dressing room that is entirely his.
There will be no “bounce” as such that comes after taking over an underachieving team, and he will be tested in a more holistic way.
If he succeeds on all accounts, then they can simply trigger his “+1” option and have contract extension talks with him. If he doesn’t, then the two parties can part ways.
The manager is, anyway, not the driver of the club’s direction under Ineos, and Carrick has already said that he’s in his ultimate job at Old Trafford.
It’s a situation that will suit all parties and take United out of the predicament of thinking in extremes.
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