Michael Carrick lost his first game as the head coach of Manchester United this week, raising questions over whether he should get the permanent manager role.
Previously, Michael Carrick looked like the front-runner for the job, having gone seven games unbeaten, winning six. However, Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle has seen doubts emerge over the performances.
Despite one loss, Carrick is doing really well at United, and most fans know this. However, whether this is enough for him to get the job on a permanent basis is another debate entirely.
In order to gauge how fans are feeling, United in Focus asked fans on our TalkingPoints platform to vote on their current feelings around Carrick.
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick looks in disbelief.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United fans vote on their stance on Michael Carrick as manager
There are questions around Carrick as a long-term manager for United after the defeat; however, the main worry is the performances over the last four games.
However, when given the chance to vote, only 16 per cent of fans believe Carrick is completely wrong for the job, writing him off.
On the contrary, 37 per cent of United supporters are of the opposition thinking, claiming that Carrick has already done enough to earn the job for the foreseeable future.
Give him the job, Carrick has proved it already – 37%
Undecided, I need to see until the end of the season – 47%
No, Carrick is not the right man – 16%
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The biggest portion of fans, however, have voted right down the middle, with 47 per cent being undecided. United fans in this bracket probably would have been on the 100 per cent convinced side a couple of weeks ago.
Carrick has a lot of work to do to prove he deserves the role, assuming Ineos are of similar thinking. Performances need to improve, while results are not currently an issue.
Tell us your reasons why Michael Carrick should be permanent head coach!
Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
What fans on TalkingPoints have said about Carrick’s chances
Not only have fans been voting, but there are also arguments being made in the comments section with the split in the fanbase clear to see.
“It’s too early to make a call on him, to be fair. But his comments after the game have given me much more optimism. He seems like he has the right character”, argued one supporter.
Another argued Carrick should get the job. “Give him the job already. The loss was not caused by him but by the board and management, who have been giving away our valued players to ‘balance the books’. Those players could have been good for squad team rotation. The United squad lacks strength in depth, and the players who have been given away – they demonized them, bomb squad needs to be returned.”
One fan spoke complete sense, “Give him till the end of the season. Then make the decision.”
While this fan wants Carrick appointed, “When you look at what he has done so far, making us play so well and motivating the players, you have to put him in the frame. And this is with players he may want to change for better players”.
Carrick also had support from another, “He’s the best available candidate for the job, give him a chance”.
Ultimately, the fans are not convinced one way or another, with a clear split between complete confidence and not being convinced.
Ineos has a difficult decision on its hands.
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