How Michael Carrick Brought Manchester United Back to Life

This week feels different around Manchester. For the first time all season, the British press is talking about the city — and about Manchester United — in a positive light.

Whether the Red Devils dusted off Sir Alex Ferguson’s old playbook or simply stumbled upon an endless stream of good fortune, the turnaround has been impossible to ignore.

First came a 2–0 derby win over Manchester City — United’s first clean-sheet victory over their rivals since 2021. Then they followed it up by handing Arsenal a painful 3–2 defeat at the Emirates, where the Gunners had previously looked untouchable. Suddenly, hope is back in the eyes of the fans — and it even has a name: interim manager Michael Carrick.

Back to Ferguson’s Football DNA

Returning to a club where he spent 12 years as a player and three more as part of the coaching staff, Carrick arrived with a clear idea in mind. He wanted to restore the fast, counter-attacking football that defined the Sir Alex Ferguson era — a style many believe is embedded in United’s lost DNA.

Tactically, the structure came together quickly. The harder task was emotional: uniting a squad still shaken by the sudden dismissal of Rúben Amorim.

According to United’s current top scorer Bryan Mbeumo — who found the net against both City and Arsenal — Carrick has surprised the dressing room with his intensity.

“The mentality is different. The coach is a legend here, so everyone wants to show their best side,” Mbeumo said.

Despite his reputation as a calm and intelligent former playmaker, Carrick has not hesitated to raise his voice in training, demand greater effort, and pull players aside for one-on-one conversations.

Reviving Careers and Raising Standards

On his very first session, Carrick reportedly took Kobbie Mainoo aside — a player who had been glued to the bench under Amorim — and reassured him that he was “a bit lost, but still extremely talented.”

The response has been immediate. Across the last two matches, no United player has covered more distance than the young English midfielder.

According to Daily Star, even before the City match Carrick asked the club’s hierarchy not to interfere with his communication methods, no matter how blunt they might seem. One of his early messages to the squad was clear: leaving immediately after training would make him question a player’s work ethic.

Carrick is also not trying to be “one of the lads,” unlike former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who often socialized with players off the pitch. Under Carrick, there is clear hierarchy. Respect is mandatory — but fear is not.

His favorite motivational lever? The fans.

Before both recent matches, he reportedly reminded players:

“You don’t want to disappoint them, do you? They are here for you, and they’ve been suffering for a long time.”

A Manager Who Looks to the Future

In true Ferguson fashion, Carrick has also been attending youth training sessions — even down to the U16 level. While he doesn’t interfere with coaching, he observes closely and speaks with players’ parents, reinforcing the idea of a unified club culture from academy to first team.

Not Everyone Is Convinced

Despite the buzz among supporters, some of Carrick’s former teammates remain cautious.

Many recall how Solskjær also made a bright start as an interim boss before failing to win trophies as a permanent manager. Others simply want to see an elite, proven tactician in charge.

Gary Neville, for example, has suggested Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti as long-term options:

“Over the past 12 years, Manchester United have often acted emotionally. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve seen in the last two weeks. Watching this team feels like watching my club play properly again. I think it would be right for Carrick to stay until the end of the season — and then hand over to Tuchel or Ancelotti.”

Roy Keane has been far less impressed:

“Two great performances, but anyone can win two games. Even if they finish fourth, I’m still not sure he’s right for the job. Absolutely not. They need a stronger, more experienced manager.”

Ironically, Carrick himself has not even begun talking about the job on a permanent basis.

Calm, Control — and a Bit of Envy?

Perhaps some of the skepticism is simply envy. Neville struggled badly during his spell at Valencia, while Keane endured difficult years in the Championship with Ipswich.

Carrick, meanwhile, has brought calm, clarity, and unexpected success in a matter of weeks.

Even Arsène Wenger has reportedly been impressed:

“He has created something incredible.”

For a club that has spent years searching for direction, that might be the biggest compliment of all.

Published by Patrick Jane
27.01.2026