Michael Carrick has not been afraid to make his presence felt at Manchester United
Michael Carrick gestures on the touchline
Michael Carrick was not afraid to make the big calls in his first spell with Man United (Image: Getty)
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Former Manchester United player and coach Michael Carrick made his impact felt in his short stint as interim boss after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021. The ex-midfielder, 44, has been appointed United boss once again following the club's dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
In his first spell, Carrick was seemingly unafraid to make his mark after he reversed Solskjaer's decision to freeze-out defender Phil Jones by bringing the United centre-back back in from the cold.
Jones, who retired in August 2024, had been suffering from an injury during his time under Solskjaer, but had not featured for the club since January 2020. Jones was something of an outcast during the Norwegian's time as boss.
Yet upon Carrick taking temporary charge, he brought Jones with the Red Devils to Spain for the Champions League win over Villarreal.
Jones was ineligible to play for United but was with the team nonetheless as Carrick made a point of reintegrating the former England defender, demonstrating how he isn't afraid to put his own stamp on the team.
The former Blackburn centre-back, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, had been playing with the United Under-23s while working his way back to full fitness. Yet Carrick also included him in his match day squad to take on Chelsea following the Champions League clash in Spain.
Carrick's treatment of Jones suggests that a number of United stars currently on the periphery of the team could see their chances of playing increased should the former Middlesbrough boss take charge and shape the team in his own way.
The likes of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been linked with an exit from United in January, could well see his game time boosted after falling out of favour with ex-boss Amorim. It's also possible that Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, could yet have a future with his parent club under Carrick.
Carrick showed during his previous spell in charge of the club that he isn't afraid to make big decisions. He dropped Bruno Fernandes to the bench for the same Champions League tie he brought Jones along on too, due to the Portugal international not enjoying a good run of form at the time.
Michael Carrick, Coach Kieran McKenna and Phil Jones of Manchester United walk out ahead of a first team training session
Michael Carrick brought Phil Jones (R) back into the fray at United(Image: 2019 Manchester United FC/Getty)
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Carrick also handed just one substitute appearance to Juan Mata during his time in charge. This was despite the pair being close friends from their playing days together at United.
An agreement was reached between United and Carrick on Tuesday, with the 44-year-old spotted arriving at the club's Carrington training base ahead of an official announcement. His first match in charge of the club is this Saturday against rivals Manchester City in the Manchester derby in the Premier League.
Carrick will have the task of upping morale at United with the club now only having the Premier League to focus on for the remainder of the season, having been knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term.
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