Michael Carrick is making a very strong argument to become the next permanent Manchester United head coach.
When Ineos decided to sack Ruben Amorim, it was communicated to the fanbase that an interim head coach would step in for the rest of the season before a permanent appointment was made in the summer.
Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being the favourite, it was actually Michael Carrick who won the race to become interim boss, and Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham means he has won four successive matches to start his tenure.
Ruben Amorim deserves ___ % credit for Michael Carrick’s BRILLIANT start at Man Utd
Fill in the blank. Did Amorim lay the foundation for success at Old Trafford?
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers split image
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers
While Gary Neville insists Carrick cannot stay and Roy Keane has been outspoken about Carrick being the wrong option, supporters are rallying behind Carrick and his staff because of the incredible football on display in recent weeks.
But it is not just United fans who want Carrick to stay, it seems the dressing room is loving life under the 44-year-old coach.
Michael Carrick celebrates win over Fulham
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Man United stars want Michael Carrick to stay
Carrick made an immediate impact by beating Manchester City in his first match, and the reaction from players after the match was telling.
Lisandro Martinez hailed Carrick’s impact, and he has since gone on to say he would “run through a wall” for the United boss because he has touched his heart.
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Just a week later, after the Arsenal match, Harry Maguire praised Carrick and his staff for the changes they have made behind the scenes.
“Michael has come in, and he’s been brilliant with us. He’s brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised,” Maguire said.
After wins vs City and Arsenal… should Michael Carrick get the Man Utd permanent job?
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Carrick
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Following that, Diogo Dalot said he was impressed by Carrick and his coaches, and even praised Ineos for making the appointment.
Now, after the 2-0 win over Tottenham, both Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes have had their say on Carrick.
“He’s made lots of differences,” Shaw said on talkSPORT. “But for me, the biggest one is he knows the club, and he knows exactly what’s needed to win football matches, to make everyone happy and to enjoy what we’re doing.
Meanwhile, Fernandes said: “I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility, but also some freedom to take the responsibility on the pitch during the decisions that are needed.
“He’s very good with the words and I think he still remembers when I told him last time he was our manager, for our last game and I was sure Michael could be a great manager – now he is showing it.”
Ineos must listen to senior Man United stars
Without directly saying it, that is five of United’s most senior players – Fernandes, Shaw, Martinez, Maguire and Dalot – have supported Carrick’s push for a permanent role.
It is still very early to say that Carrick has earned the permanent job, but he is giving Ineos a very difficult decision to make.
READ MORE: Bryan Mbeumo moment vs Tottenham proves Michael Carrick has evolved Ruben Amorim strength
There are as many as 12 managers linked to United, including some world-class coaches. But waving goodbye to Carrick if he continues at his current rate would feel like a backwards step.
United players have made it clear they would be happy to stick with Carrick, and Ineos should listen to the players. The Red Devils are playing their best football in a long time, and the results are following closely behind.
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