Michael Carrick has not been afraid to make his presence felt at Manchester United
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick celebrates at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick was not afraid to make the big calls in his first spell with Man United (Image: Matthew Peters, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United player and coach Michael Carrick has once again been appointed as the club's manager, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. This comes after Carrick's impactful stint as interim boss in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking in November 2021.
During his initial tenure, Carrick was not shy about making changes, notably reversing Solskjaer's decision to sideline defender Phil Jones by reintegrating him into the squad.
Jones, who retired in August 2024, had been struggling with an injury during Solskjaer's reign and hadn't featured for the club since January 2020, effectively becoming an outcast under the Norwegian's management.
However, upon assuming temporary charge, Carrick included Jones for United's trip to Spain for their Champions League victory over Villarreal.
Although Jones was ineligible to play for United, his presence with the team signified Carrick's intent to reintegrate the former England defender, showing his readiness to make his own mark on the squad.
The ex-Blackburn centre-back, signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, had been playing with the United Under-23s while working towards regaining full fitness. Carrick also included him in his match day squad for the Chelsea game following the Champions League encounter in Spain.
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's handling of Jones implies that several United players currently on the fringes could see their playing opportunities increase if the former Middlesbrough manager takes the helm and moulds the team in his own style.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been rumoured to be leaving United in January, might see an increase in game time after falling out of favour with former boss Amorim.
There's also a chance that Marcus Rashford, presently on loan at Barcelona, could have a future at his parent club under Carrick.
During his previous stint as manager, Carrick demonstrated he isn't afraid to make bold decisions. He benched Bruno Fernandes for the same Champions League match he included Jones in, due to the Portuguese international's poor form at the time.
Michael Carrick gestures on the touchline
Michael Carrick made some major calls during his first spell in charge(Image: Getty)
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Carrick only gave Juan Mata one substitute appearance during his tenure, despite the pair being close friends from their playing days at United.
An agreement was reached between United and Carrick on Tuesday, with the 44-year-old seen arriving at the club's Carrington training ground ahead of an official announcement. His first match in charge will be this Saturday against rivals Manchester City in the Premier League's Manchester derby.
Carrick now faces the challenge of boosting spirits at United, with the club's attention solely on the Premier League for the rest of the season, following their exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this campaign.