Michael Owen is reserving judgment on Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach ahead of a ‘big challenge’ that will see him tested in a different way than in games against Man City and Arsenal.
It has been a great start for Michael Carrick since returning to the club over two weeks ago.
Carrick became head coach until the end of the season with the objective of qualifying for the Champions League. United sacked Ruben Amorim when they felt the Portuguese coach was losing grip on the race to help the club return to Europe’s biggest competition.
After wins vs City and Arsenal… should Michael Carrick get the Man Utd permanent job?
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Even if Carrick secures Champions League football, there are no guarantees that he will be the head coach next season. That will be a decision for football director Jason Wilcox, along with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Omar Berrada.
It’s up to Carrick to convince them that he’s the right man to take the team forward. If he can get the right results for the remainder of the season, he’ll be making a very good case for himself, but it won’t be easy.
Michael Owen speaking about the Premier League in India
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Michael Owen issues Michael Carrick warning ahead of Fulham clash
Although Carrick could not have asked for a better return to United, Michael Owen has warned that the real challenge awaits this United side.
United fans will be asking the same question all week: Can the Reds win the games they should be winning? There is optimism in the air after two big wins, but it will come to a crushing halt if United fail to secure three points against Fulham.
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Carrick is bound to suffer bumps along the way, but Owen makes a valid point ahead of United’s next game on Premier League Productions’ The Final Word.
“The big challenge now, of course is to see Manchester United against the lesser teams when they’re at Old Trafford when they’re expected to have the ball,” Owen said.
“Can they penetrate? Can they pick teams apart? And that’s the next test for Michael Carrick. But so far, flying colours.”
United have multiple attacking players capable of creating dangerous moments in games, so it will come down to whether Carrick can find the right formula to win these matches over the coming weeks.
United take on Tottenham, West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace in the coming weeks.
How many points will United get from our next five games?
It's been a perfect start for Michael Carrick, will it continue? Which games are you worried about?
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It’s a great chance for Carrick and the team to make a push for the Champions League spots, especially with Liverpool struggling for consistency after winning the title last season.
Fulham form ahead of Man Utd clash
Fulham travel to Old Trafford on Sunday as they sit seventh in the Premier League, just four points adrift of United.
They go into the game after winning three of their last six matches, drawing two and losing one.
Fulham suffered a 1-0 defeat against Leeds, but took four points from Chelsea and Liverpool.
United will need to be at their best to make it three wins on the bounce.
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