Man Utd have announced that Michael Carrick will oversee the second half of the season as interim manager.
Michael Carrick is back at Old Trafford.(Image: 2021 Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick cannot win a trophy during his time as Manchester United's interim manager, but there is still plenty to play for in the Premier League. United's target for the season was to secure a return to European football, but Carrick will be aware of the importance of qualifying for the Champions League.
United have gone this season without European football. United were sixth when Ruben Amorim left the club and are now seventh, just three points adrift of fourth.
Carrick does not have an easy start, however, as Manchester City will be his first game in charge as interim boss. That fixture will be followed by a trip to the Emirates to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.
So what are Carrick's priorities as he returns to Carrington? We've taken a closer look at what Carrick must do to ensure his interim stint is considered a success by the end of the season.
The defence and mentality
Only three teams outside of the Premier League relegation zone have conceded more goals than United this season. Carrick needs to tighten up the backline as quickly as possible.
Brighton needed just two shots on target to score twice last weekend. United's backline has been relatively inexperienced in recent weeks, with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven featuring, so it would not be a surprise to see Carrick turn to Harry Maguire in an attempt to concede fewer goals.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to be close to a return from a back injury. The Dutchman last played against Crystal Palace on November 30, and he was in excellent form before being forced to the sidelines.
United insiders have questioned the mentality of the players, and Darren Fletcher admitted the group is "fragile" in his last press conference. The players appear to lack belief during matches and lack the ruthlessness to kill a game, something Carrick must address.
The group's mentality must improve.(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Get the players onside
Amorim was popular with the players. When he departed, several members of the dressing room wished him good luck on social media. Amad admitted Amorim's sacking left him "a bit sad", while Diogo Dalot said it had been "really difficult" at Carrington since the Portuguese had been dismissed.
The 40-year-old will be remembered as one of the worst United managers in history going purely off results, but his man-management skills were a strength, which allowed him to cultivate strong relationships.
It's natural for players to feel disappointed. Carrick must now win them over and forge relationships of his own, which shouldn't be a problem given his brief stint as United caretaker in 2021.
Sources have indicated Carrick had support from the dressing room to take the interim job. He commands respect due to his achievements as a player, he was popular as a coach working under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and players were disappointed to see him walk away after his caretaker spell.
The appointment of Steve Holland to Carrick's backroom staff will help. Holland has bags of experience and already has a relationship with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo.
Carrick was supported by senior players to take the job.(Image: )
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Get Mainoo back to his best
Carrick was interviewed by Rio Ferdinand in September. Ferdinand asked Carrick where Mainoo should play in United's team, and he responded: "He's more of an attacker. I don't see him as a holding midfielder. He's that line above where he needs a little bit more freedom.
"He can defend the higher line, but I think that bit deeper, around the centre-backs, that's a bit of a different thing completely. I see him playing that little bit higher and creating. I think he's got a massive future. I really like him, he just needs that patience and a little bit of a break again."
Those comments are interesting given Carrick is expected to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bruno Fernandes will have the advanced role in midfield nailed down, and Carrick's verdict suggests he believes Mainoo is best in that position. Amorim pitted Mainoo against Fernandes, meaning he hardly played.
It would be a surprise if Carrick did not make it work with Mainoo behind Fernandes. The youngster's stock has fallen, but he remains a wonderful talent who can improve United if he returns to his best.
Mainoo made just his second start of the season against Brighton last weekend - and he completed more passes and created more chances than any other player on the pitch.
Mainoo should benefit from working with Carrick.(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Champions League qualification?
United's internal target for the season was to return to European football. Fletcher was the first to break ranks when he spoke after the Brighton defeat, saying that the Champions League specifically must be the target.
"We're not in a great moment. Let's be honest, out of the cups. But as I said, there's still a Champions League place to fight for, and I still think that can be achieved this season,” he said.
Carrick has nothing to focus on except the Premier League because of the early exits from the cup competitions. Securing Europa League qualification would be viewed as a success internally, but United need to compete in the Champions League for both footballing and commercial reasons.
Carrick will be lauded if he can steer United into the Champions League. United have just wasted a kind run of fixtures, which means the upcoming games will only get tougher.
It doesn't get much trickier than facing Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge.