David Ornstein has issued his thoughts on the possibility of Michael Carrick being appointed as Manchester United’s head coach beyond this season.
Michael Carrick begins a demanding spell in charge as Manchester United enter the final 16 games of their season.
His first match back at the club provided the perfect lift, with a 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend generating optimism and renewed confidence around Old Trafford. Despite the positive mood, the club’s key objectives for the campaign are yet to be met.
United have asked the 44-year-old to guide them into next season’s Champions League. That goal will almost certainly require a top-four finish in the Premier League, although a top-five placing could also prove sufficient if English sides perform strongly across the three UEFA competitions.
While Carrick’s focus remains firmly on the pitch, the club are already planning for the future. Work is underway to identify a new permanent manager, alongside early discussions over potential departures and arrivals ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Carrick could be in the mix
Carrick is no doubt a very astute tactician with a unique insight at United, having played for the club for over a decade. His 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend was a blinding start to his career at Old Trafford, and has prompted questions on if he could already be the right man to lead the club.
Speaking to The Transfers Podcast, renowned journalist David Ornstein stated that he believes Carrick will likely be in the mix for the full-time role if he continues to perform well until the end of the season.
“Carrick will naturally enter the conversation depending on how well he does,” he said. But I don’t think this is binary, as it was with Ole Gunner Solskjaer. United should run their process properly: speak to available coaches, assess those in work where permitted, look at data, styles and profiles.
“Last time, it came down to Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag. Others, like [Thomas] Frank and [Mauricio] Pochettino, were considered. There are weeks and months now to do that work. Carrick could play himself into contention, or he might decide it’s not the right moment.
“There’s nothing firm right now. It’s hypothetical. But given his qualities, what he showed in his brief United spell before, and his work at Middlesbrough, there’s no reason he shouldn’t at least be in the conversation – much like Kieran McKenna was previously.
“Carrick could be in the mix, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get the job. It’s very much a case of wait and see how it unfolds.”
Carrick has four qualities to succeed as United boss
Amid talk about United’s next manager, Carrick’s former teammate at the club, Mikael Silvestre, believes the 44-year-old possesses four key traits that could make him an ideal long-term fit for the club.
“He was the same then as he is now when he speaks to the media or to players — very calm,” Silvestre said. “He’s a calm person, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s always nice. He’s very structured and shows a lot of composure.”
Silvestre described Carrick as the “easygoing” and “laidback” type in the dressing room, which he feels will benefit him in the dugout. The Frenchman then went as far as to back Carrick’s chances of taking the permanent role in the summer.
Silvestre argued, “He’s got a chance. As soon as anyone takes charge of the first team and has 90 minutes as head coach, they have a chance,” he said.
“It’s the best interview you can give. You can talk all you want about tactics, philosophy, and how you want to set up the team, but there’s no better way than preparing the team, going out on the pitch, and seeing the result and the performance.”
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