Owen Hargreaves has insisted that former England and Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick is different from the obvious comparisons being made to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Michael Carrick became a key part of the Manchester United coaching staff under former Red Devils head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old United legend had served under Jose Mourinho at the Premier League club before the ‘Special One’ was sacked and replaced by Solskjaer.
Solskjaer became United caretaker manager in 2018 after Jose Mourinho was axed before the 53-year-old Norwegian’s appointment was made permanent in 2019.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watches from the touchline with Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2018.
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Loss to 10-men Everton under Amorim vs Loss to 10-men Newcastle under Carrick
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Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick as Man Utd managers
Ruben Amorim vs Everton and Michael Carrick vs Newcastle as Man Utd managers
Owen Hargreaves explains exactly why Man Utd legend Michael Carrick is different from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Fast-forward from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking as Manchester United manager in 2021 to 2026 and Michael Carrick is in a similar situation to the Red Devils legend.
Carrick was installed as interim head coach until the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season after Ruben Amorim was dismissed as Man Utd head coach.
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The United interim boss, much like Solskjaer did during his caretaker spell, has had a scintillating start to life in the Old Trafford hot seat upon his return to the club.
Owen Hargreaves said that a huge “compliment” that he can say about Carrick is that the United legend’s managerial approach mirrors his time as a player.
“Obviously, people are going to have what happened with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in their mind,” he explained on TNT Sports, as per the Metro.
“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.”
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What is your MESSAGE to Michael Carrick after his first defeat as Man Utd boss?
Michael Carrick instructs his players during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Owen Hargreaves on Michael Carrick facing the expectations on his shoulders at Man Utd amid his interim reign at Old Trafford
Carrick has won six of his eight Premier League matches in charge so far, with his first defeat coming on Wednesday in Man Utd’s away clash with Newcastle.
Hargreaves suggested that the former Middlesbrough head coach knows how to weather the storm at Old Trafford after handling the “pressure” as a player.
“One thing he has is he’s good with people and he’s given all these boys confidence to go and achieve success,” he added.
“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.”
Following United’s 2-1 defeat to 10-man Newcastle at St James’ Park, the Red Devils will return to Premier League action on 15th March against Aston Villa at home.
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