Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has said Michael Carrick is the right candidate to become the Red Devils’ permanent manager this summer.
United have had a tremendous turnaround since Carrick took charge as the interim head coach in January. They have won six of their eight matches, suffering a solitary defeat.
This has put them third in the league standings, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference. The Red Devils are also three points ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool, who are fifth and sixth, respectively.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves has now said that Carrick has got ‘real class’ in the way he manages and should get the permanent role if United finish in the top five this campaign.
He said: “The biggest compliment I can pay Michael is that he manages just like he played – so understated and with real class.
“He’s prepared, it’s not about him, he puts it out there. He was a brilliant player and he’s doing a brilliant job as a manager, as a young manager.
“Michael knows what it’s like to be a player, be under pressure, deal with the pressure, deal with the fans, deal with higher-ups in the football club, and so far he’s done it perfectly.”
On whether it’s his job to lose, Hargreaves added: “It has to be! If he gets into the top five, they can’t not give it to him and if they don’t there’s going to be an absolute uproar.
“Because from where they were to where they’ll finish in the Champions League places, then they’ll have money to spend to be one of the top teams.
“You couldn’t not give it to him if he finishes in the top five. I don’t even see how that could be possible.”
Carrick frontrunner for permanent managerial role
United were languishing outside of the Champions League positions under former manager Ruben Amorim. They have made significant progress since Carrick took over at the helm in January.
Under the 44-year-old’s tutelage, the Red Devils have secured statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, while also ending their eight-match winless streak against Tottenham Hotspur.
A seven-match unbeaten run ended at St James’ Park last night. United should have won the game after Newcastle United went a man down, but the Magpies scored a late 90th-minute winner.
Tyrell Malacia was largely at fault for the winning strike from William Osula.
The Dutchman was a surprise substitute for the injured Noussair Mazraoui at left-back, and should have put in a tackle or at least fouled Osula before his sensational curling strike.
Carrick got the decision wrong, as he could have played Ayden Heaven over Malacia instead. Despite the minor blip, United are still in a good position in the Champions League race.
A top-five league finish would be sufficient to qualify for Europe’s elite competition. United have a three-point buffer over Chelsea and Liverpool with another nine matches to play.
If they were to achieve that objective, it would appear a no-brainer to appoint Carrick permanently.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com