Manchester United have enjoyed a resurgence since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim at the helm, climbing into the top three and with only Arsenal and Manchester City having now lost more league games this term
Michael Carrick has made a major impact at Manchester United
Michael Carrick has made a major impact at Manchester United(Image: 2026 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Michael Carrick has been backed to be given the Manchester United job on a permanent basis by Harry Maguire.
United have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Carrick was installed as interim boss following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The ex-Middlesbrough boss has led them to seven wins in 10 Premier League matches, pushing them into third in the table and closing in on a return to the Champions League.
It is clear that Carrick, who spent over a decade at the club as a player, making 464 appearances, winning five titles and the Champions League, has strong backing from the dressing room. Maguire insists it is down to the players to ensure they reclaim a spot at European football's top table, before trusting the club's hierarchy to make the right decision.
And he believes that Carrick deserves to be "right in the mix" when it comes to appointing the next permanent manager - while predicting another "big summer" in terms of recruitment.
United defender Maguire said: “Listen, Carrick coming in, he’s been amazing. He speaks really, really well. He's tactically very, very good. He's brought in some amazing staff. Steve Holland, amazing to bring his experience in and someone he can lean on.
“He's got Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans there helping the younger defenders at the club and all the defenders giving us tips.
“Listen, it's not up to us. I think there's seven games left. We've put ourselves in a great position. I think we've got to finish the season strong, and I think he should go right into the mix of the other candidates and let the process begin.
“I'm sure it will do and I'm sure it's going to be a thorough process, and it's going to be a big summer. We know that for Manchester United. We need bodies in, bodies to help the squad. We know that. We need improvement in the squad. We need more bodies.
“It's going to be a big recruitment in the management department, and I'm sure that the hierarchy will get it right.”
Despite the impressive way Carrick has led United, it is far from certain he will become the club's next boss, but other candidates have fallen by the wayside.
Thomas Tuchel, much admired, committed himself to England until 2028, the chances of Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner have faded and Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique - a dream appointment for some - looks set to stay in the French capital.
They are also planning to spend big in the market with United keen to sign midfield talent with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson at the top of their hit-list.