In 2015, Gary Neville shared a brilliantly fitting description of Michael Carrick that remains fitting 11 years on, as he stands in the Manchester United dugout as head coach.
Manchester United beat Man City 2-0 just four days after Michael Carrick was appointed head coach.
Having seen off competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy to become United’s head coach until the end of the season, Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim after Darren Fletcher stepped in for two matches on a caretaker basis.
Since returning to Old Trafford, Carrick has navigated a whirlwind first week: managing media scrutiny from former players, familiarising himself with the squad, and securing a vital three points against title-contenders City.
Michael Carrick is off to the PERFECT START at Man Utd, and he wants more!
Why do you think it went SO RIGHT for Carrick against City?
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United fans want to see Carrick steady the ship and qualify for the Champions League, but that would require a big improvement after such an inconsistent first half to the season.
The 44-year-old will hope to continue building momentum when his side travel to Arsenal on Sunday.
Gary Neville reacts to Michael Carrick prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Gary Neville’s perfect analogy of Michael Carrick
Four years on from Gary Neville’s retirement in 2011, I had the pleasure of conducting a sit-down interview with the former United captain.
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I was editor of Stretty News at the time and, as someone who idolised Neville during my childhood, particularly after he celebrated in front of Liverpool fans at Old Trafford and took a £5,000 fine as if it was a badge of honour, most of my questions for the interview focused on the Class of 92, winning the treble, and the abuse he received from other football fans – especially Liverpool.
However, the biggest talking point from the interview came in response to a question about Carrick.
While Neville spent much of his career alongside the iconic Roy Keane —rightly celebrated among United’s greatest captains—the former right-back used a poetic ‘piano’ analogy to explain how Carrick brought a completely different, calming energy to the midfield.
“I love Carrick,” Neville said.
“I have respect for Carrick. You never hear anyone who’s played with Carrick at Manchester United have a bad word to say about him. Ultimate professional, understanding and loves the club by the way.
“Don’t get bought into this ‘Michael Carrick doesn’t show passion’ and all that crap. He loves Manchester United. You see him on a team night out when we won the league, and he can be the loudest of the lot. So, the idea that Michael Carrick just comes in as a bit of a mouse that does his job unnoticeably is rubbish.
“If you look at Louis van Gaal at the start of the season and we were struggling, ask yourself who wasn’t playing? Michael Carrick wasn’t playing. Now he’s playing and the club went on a great unbeaten run. I think he would be first or second on Louis van Gaal’s team-sheet because he brings control and authority.
“Manchester United fans get it. I wanted Bryan Robson and someone to run through brick walls and coming out with bandages wrapped around his head. That’s what Manchester United fans want.
“But then when you play with Michael Carrick you think there is authority, control, peace. When you are on a football pitch playing against Liverpool or Manchester City, you need peace around you as well.
“You sometimes don’t want people running around like blue-arse flies. Scholes and Carrick together was peaceful. It was like going into a bar and hearing a piano playing. It’s relaxing. Listening to some good rock is good, and you like that too, but sometimes it’s nice to listen to a piano. Carrick’s a piano.”
DO you believe in Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach?
Harry Maguire has predicted fans will be behind Carrick… what would be your message to him?
Michael Carrick Harry Maguire
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Michael Carrick remains a ‘piano’ as Man Utd head coach
Although it’s early days for Carrick as United head coach, there are many encouraging signs.
Carrick’s unbeaten record in the United dugout (three wins, one draw) remains intact from his previous interim spell in charge, plus his ‘not bothered’ response to Keane’s rant shows he still brings authority, control and peace to the table.
Amorim was an erratic figure throughout his 14 months at Old Trafford. He’d often let his emotions get the better of him, which can easily rub off on players.
Only time will tell if United’s results will improve now that a piano is in charge.
*Jazz hands*
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