Michael Carrick is set to be named interim boss at Manchester United after agreeing a deal in principle for a return to Old Trafford
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick would face several issues as Manchester United interim manager(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick faces several pressing issues as Manchester United interim manager. The club icon has agreed a deal in principle to take the reins for the remainder of the season, with his contract being finalised.
The 44-year-old, who could take charge of the Manchester derby on Saturday, was previously part of United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He also had a three-game stint as caretaker boss in 2021, overseeing wins over Arsenal and Villarreal as well as a draw with Chelsea, before the arrival of Ralf Rangnick.
After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick was named Middlesbrough manager in October 2022, a position he held until the end of last season. He is understood to have impressed the United hierarchy with his plans for the rest of the campaign but faces some crucial decisions during his time in the hot seat.
Kobbie Mainoo chance
Kobbie Mainoo has endured a frustrating season so far. The United academy graduate was not first choice under Amorim, making only one start this season, which came in the Carabao Cup, before the Portuguese coach’s dismissal.
The arrival of a new manager presents the 20-year-old with a fresh start, following consistent speculation over his future. Encouragingly for the United prospect, his previous performances have already won over Carrick, with the ex-Boro boss speaking glowingly about the England international during the summer.
Carrick said: "I think for a club to have a player that has come through the academy, knows the club and feels it - that's massive. To have a talent like that, as he's already shown, you've got to say: 'Right, he gets it, he knows it - let's help him, build on him, and stick with him. I think there's definitely a place for him."
Those comments indicate Mainoo could be set for more first team minutes under Carrick than he would have had under Amroim, which would only be good news for United.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo has started only two games for Manchester United so far this season(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Bruno Fernandes future
Carrick has already worked with Bruno Fernandes as part of Solskjaer’s coaching staff and will be acutely aware of the United skipper’s quality. Across 310 games for the club, he has scored 103 goals and provided 95 assists, winning matches almost single-handedly at times.
However, United almost had to face the prospect of losing him after Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal offered £100million for the star midfielder. The bid was rejected but Fernandes recently discussed being hurt following claims that the club were happy for him to leave.
One of the biggest issues Carrick will want to address is convincing Fernandes that his future still lies at Old Trafford. While he may not be a permanent appointment, the interim boss can signal that the club will be heading in the right direction with positive results during his short spell in charge.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has previously been the subject of transfer interest(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Transfer dilemma
While Mainoo could be set to rise up the pecking order, midfield is still an area that United need to address. Amorim had previously called for reinforcements and his preferred pivot of Casemiro and Fernandes arguably did not get the best out of the club captain.
United are reportedly expected to spend money in the transfer window this month, with former Wolves talisman Ruben Neves emerging as a target according to The Guardian. He is currently playing for Al-Hilal, who are said to be willing to accept an offer worth £20m, and is one of several midfielders to have been touted with a move to Old Trafford.
Carrick generally played a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time at Middlesbrough, which should allow Fernandes to slot into his more natural attacking position. That would leave Casemiro, Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount as senior midfield options, while academy prospect Jack Fletcher has also been promoted in recent weeks.
Whether Carrick is provided with a new signing or opts to turn to the club’s academy, finding the right balance in midfield will be key to United’s pursuit of a Champions League spot. Given his success as a player, the former defensive midfielder should be well-placed to identify the right combination.