Michael Carrick bounced back from his first defeat as Manchester United head coach to mastermind a victory over Aston Villa.
A 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford puts Manchester United comfortably in third place in the Premier League.
Ineos are in the process of hiring a new head coach, and Michael Carrick has now made it seven wins from his nine matches in charge, putting United on the brink of Champions League qualification.
United fans want Carrick to stay, but he has been very quiet about potentially staying on as the permanent head coach at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick reacts in the technical area during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
What a great weekend – How confident are you Man Utd will secure Champions League football?
United win vs Villa as Liverpool and Chelsea BOTH drop points
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Michael Carrick responds to Peter Schmeichel manager question
Directly after United’s victory over Villa, Peter Schmeichel was on pundit duty for ViaPlay Premier, and he asked Carrick about his future at Old Trafford.
“I think you deserve to get an opportunity, you’ve done really well,” Schmeichel told Carrick. “But at some point, you’ve got to draw a line as well. We cannot wait for someone to finish with the World Cup when you are doing this job for the second time so well.
Carrick replied: “I understood the situation coming in. I love the place. I would’ve been here watching it today if I wasn’t here on the touchline. I’m working week by week and game by game. We’re certainly making decisions for the right reasons anyway.
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Schmeichel pressed Carrick for an answer, saying: “I’m just going to ask you directly, no conversations so far?”
“What about?” Carrick said with a smile. “We’re working through it, you know? I’m here to do a job, so I’m not here to make decisions on what happens. Things are going well at the moment, let’s see what happens.”
“I think the smile says it all…” Schmeichel replied.
What is your IMMEDIATE reaction as United beat Villa?
Is Champions League football all but guaranteed?
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Michael Carrick response suggests Man Utd talks have taken place
Without directly confirming it, Carrick’s response strongly suggested that talks with United chiefs have begun.
Many of United’s top manager candidates are unavailable or would have to wait until after the World Cup in the summer to take charge.
But given Carrick’s incredible record this season, waving goodbye to him in the summer would only raise questions about what else he could have done to get the job.
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Champions League qualification was a lofty ambition at the start of the season, yet under Carrick it has become a reality.
Players enjoy playing for Carrick and want to see him stay. It makes sense for everyone involved. Carrick avoiding a direct answer to Schmeichel’s question is the biggest hint we’ve had so far.\
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