Michael Carrick has been lauded for his work between his departure from Middlesbrough and his appointment as Manchester United interim boss
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has impressed with his punitry since leaving Middlesbrough(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Gabby Logan has issued a glowing endorsement of Michael Carrick's communication skills after working with him on Match of the Day.
Carrick has taken charge of Manchester United on an interim basis until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The former United and England midfielder pipped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the job and has been pitched straight into a Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime.
Since leaving Middlesbrough in the summer, Carrick has undertaken media work, including a stint on Match of the Day, where Logan is one of its three rotating hosts with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Logan said she was left hugely impressed with both Carrick's reading of the game and his ability to succinctly communicate what he had seen. That trait will be useful as he aims to make an immediate impact on the struggling United squad.
Chapman, a United fan, joked: "How bad company must we be for him to say, 'I'll go and try my hand with this shower." Logan added: "We've both worked with Michael Carrick this season [on the show] and he's gone off to manage one of the biggest basketcases in the world!"
Gabby Logan
Gabby Logan was impressed with Carrick on Match of the Day(Image: The Sports Agents)
View 3 Images
Joking aside, Logan added: "In all seriousness, we were both really impressed with him, how brilliantly he was able to read the game and then incisively put it into a minute or two of analysis, which is a real skill. He just read the game brilliantly and beautifully. It feels like he's a master tactician."
Chapman said Carrick will also need to be a motivator as United look to salvage what will be a trophy-less season by finishing in the Champions League places. He said: "He will also need to be a phenomenal motivator because of the state they're in because they've got no other football now, bar league games.
"The last time they were in this situation, it was with Ralf Rangnick, and the whole thing spiraled out of control very quickly. It was quite acrimonious and miserable, so he's got a lot of work to do on that front."
Carrick will be hoping to do enough to land the job permanently in the summer. However, he could face competition from Oliver Glasner, who has announced he will leave Crystal Palace upon the expiry of his contract in June.
Michael Carrick
Carrick is preparing his side for the Manchester derby(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Speaking ahead of the derby, Carrick insisted there was plenty to play for, saying: "I know what it takes to succeed here. My focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
"I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years. I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
"There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves."