Manchester United face a major decision this summer over whether to appoint a new head coach or hand Michael Carrick the job on a permanent basis
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick could be given a permanent role at Man United at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United forward Dion Dublin has told his old club that replacing Michael Carrick at the end of the season would be a mistake. Carrick has made a sensational start to life back in the Old Trafford hot seat.
Installed as Ruben Amorim's temporary successor until the end of the season, the former midfielder has returned to the dugout for a second spell and has already guided United into a strong position in the race for Champions League football. The Reds remain unbeaten under Carrick, winning five of their six games, including impressive victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
Now sitting fourth, they are just three points behind third‑placed Aston Villa. And although it is widely known that United's hierarchy intend to appoint a new permanent manager in the summer, calls are growing for Carrick to be given the job full‑time.
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And Dublin, speaking to OLBG, has suggested that giving Carrick the job on a full‑time basis might not be such a bad idea after all. He said: "I think you have to leave it as it is because if it's working, then don't mess with it. You know, don't tinker with it.
"The players seem to be on board with Michael. They seem to be enjoying themselves, which is most importantly, they seem to be enjoying their football again. He's getting good results.
"The energy levels from the players and body language is very different. The dressing room seems to believe that what they're doing is the right thing. I suppose the question is, can he keep it going? Well, what manager can do that? What manager can consistently win and win and win? I just think you leave it as it is.
"United at this present time and it hasn't been for years, is stable. It's stable, it's strong. And when you watch Man United now, and I've been in the stands a few times at some of Michael's matches, it's like watching Man United, which is very odd. It hasn't been like that for a long time."
The former Aston Villa man, Dublin, acknowledged that United will inevitably explore high‑profile candidates such as Zinedine Zidane, but he still believes Carrick has shown he is capable of doing a strong job at Old Trafford.
"But the biggest and the best allegedly have had a go," Dublin explained. "Have had a go before, Michael, and it just hasn't worked, you know.
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"The best up and coming, the best coaches, the best football, the best results in Portugal, the best results in Germany, whatever it may be, they're all getting the best results, but who's done what Michael's done?
"While you've got a vehicle moving forward smoothly with great results, leave it alone. Leave it alone. Let it carry on moving forward. How far could it go? It's down to the players and Michael."
Dublin's point about Zidane comes after it was claimed earlier this month that he has reached a verbal agreement to become the next head coach of the France national team.
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