Michael Carrick has nine games remaining to prove to Ineos that he is the right choice to become the permanent Manchester United head coach.
In his first eight games as interim Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick has won six of them and lifted the Red Devils up to third in the Premier League table.
A 2-1 defeat to Newcastle burst Carrick’s bubble of invincibility and inflicted United’s first defeat of 2026, which has posed questions about his future at Old Trafford.
United fans want Carrick to stay following his exciting start, but Ineos insists a decision on an appointment will not be made until the summer. Steve Bruce once missed out on the United job, but he believes Carrick already has one foot in the door.
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
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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.
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Steve Bruce says Michael Carrick can handle Man Utd intensity
Senior United players have backed Carrick since his return to Old Trafford, with stars pointing out how his history at the club has been helpful.
Steve Bruce echoed those statements speaking to talkSPORT: “What I said from day one is, no matter who you are and where you’ve been and what you haven’t done or what you have done, unless you get into Man United and find out what it’s about, then you don’t know.
“When I first went, even years ago, it’s a big club but you don’t realize the scrutiny that’s on you, the spotlight that’s on you, the intensity of everything is on you from the day you walk into the ground. It’s so big.
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“And I came from Norwich at the time, but even then it engulfed me by the size of it, you know?
“Wherever you go in the world, whatever. Back in the day, it was all newspapers – there were five pages on Man Utd. The intensity of it is incredible. The scrutiny and the spotlight is on you totally, which is part of being a big, big club.
“Handling that is always the hard part, in my opinion. Michael knew the club straight away. 10, 12, 13 years.
“This quiet demeanour he’s got, there’s obviously a streak in him, which we all know he’s got, because he wouldn’t be such a good footballer without it.
“He’s got that, and he’s got the instant respect of the players.”
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
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Michael Carrick now faces biggest Man Utd test
Players have been outspoken about how positive Carrick and his staff have been around Carrington and Old Trafford, and the results on the pitch speak for themselves.
But Carrick now faces his biggest test at United after suffering his first defeat.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s latest stance on manager job isn’t a blow to Carrick, Ineos ‘intention’ is evading a trap
Up next is a clash against Champions League contenders Aston Villa, and Carrick needs to prove he can galvanise the squad after a defeat and bounce back.
If United can hold on to third until the end of the season, Carrick will be the clear favourite to get the head coach role, especially as so many other top candidates have been ruled out already.
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