Michael Carrick’s first defeat as Manchester United interim head coach to Newcastle has raised even more questions about his future at Old Trafford.
The 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United was a frustrating stumbling block for Manchester United’s push for Champions League qualification, and it burst the bubble of invincibility around Michael Carrick after an unbeaten start to 2026.
It is important to remember that Carrick’s objective was Champions League football, not the Premier League title. If I was told that Carrick would win six of his first eight matches when he was first appointed, I’d have considered that a huge success. It’s important that we don’t move the goalposts too quickly.
But the nature of United’s performances, especially the latest defeat to Newcastle, do bear many similarities to the football played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United.
Because of Solskjaer’s sacking in late 2021, that reads as a negative. But that isn’t necessarily the case.
Michael Carrick and Head Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on August 22, 2021
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Michael Carrick is just another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with better players: __ % AGREE
Fill in the blank. Is Carrick actually a better coach, or are we falling for the same trap again?
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Man Utd managers
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick as Man Utd managers
Comparisons between Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Back in 2022, Solskjaer won eight consecutive matches to kickstart his spell as caretaker manager.
In eight matches under Carrick, he has won six, drawn one and lost once.
Man Utd record after eight matches Wins Draws Losses Goals scored Goals conceded
Carrick 6 1 1 15 8
Solskjaer 8 0 0 22 5
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Carrick could also add in the results of his first caretaker spell in 2022 after he took over from Solskjaer, where he won two matches and drew one.
The biggest positive from Solskjaer and Carrick is that they immediately lifted the mood around Carrington and Old Trafford, not only in their results but also in terms of pleasing players.
United players admire Carrick and his style of coaching, which has included shorter but more intense training sessions. Just like under Solskjaer, there is also a feeling of collective responsibility among the training staff. Darren Fletcher, Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans have all been praised by Carrick and players for their impact.
It is not fair to paint Carrick as another Solskjaer as there are differences in their management and tactical approach, but I can’t help but spot some key similarities
In their caretaker stints, both adopted a more empathetic approach to treating players, giving stars more freedom to express themselves on the pitch, and providing less drama from press conferences.
But we all know how it ended for Solskjaer in 2021, when players downed tools and United’s long-term project came crumbling down after terrible recruitment and a lack of direction.
It’s far too early in Carrick’s spell to say he will suffer the same fate, but Ineos must be aware of the risks. Carrick’s sympathetic coaching could become a weakness if players grow complacent.
His predecessors, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, were stunned at the lack of physicality and running power in a squad primarily built by Solskjaer.
Carrick insists he will take a hard approach to coaching when needed, and between now and the end of the season is his biggest test to see whether he can turn things around after a defeat.
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’s Solskjaer similarity isn’t necessarily a weakness
Carrick certainly has similarities to Solskjaer, but many consider Solskjaer the best post-Ferguson manager at United, so maybe following that blueprint isn’t a bad idea for Ineos.
It’s quickly forgotten that Solskjaer finished second with United and was unlucky to not add to the club’s trophy haul during his time as manager.
The biggest criticism of Solskjaer during his time was his lack of tactical direction and his transfer decisions. The latter will not be a problem with Ineos now in charge.
READ MORE:Man Utd ignoring Michael Carrick for permanent manager role could cause ‘absolute uproar,’ warns Owen Hargreaves
While Solskjaer worked under the Glazer regime, Ineos have improved United’s recruitment and will provide a much better platform for Carrick to focus on the first-team squad.
Carrick has already proven he can get results, and he deserves a chance to prove he can fix United’s long-term tactical problem against low-block defences.
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