Ole Gunnar Solskjær once waxed lyrical about Michael Carrick as a future Manchester United manager amid his appointment at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are about to confirm Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season following the sacking of Rúben Amorim last week.
The Portuguese coach was dismissed after a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, with reports suggesting a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s decision-makers at Old Trafford. United then opted to appoint a caretaker manager for the remainder of the campaign while beginning the search for a permanent successor in the summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was initially viewed as the frontrunner due to his previous spell at the club, with Director of Football Jason Wilcox believed to see the Norwegian as the ideal option. However, Carrick impressed during the interview process and was ultimately handed the role.
The 44-year-old will take charge of his first match on Saturday afternoon in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, before United face a tough away trip to Arsenal.
Solskjær saw this coming in 2023
Solskjær and Carrick worked closely together during the former’s spell at United. After returning from his playing days under Jose Mourinho, Carrick joined his backroom staff and was retained when Solskjær was appointed interim and then permanent manager.
Speaking in 2023 to The Athletic, the Norwegian was full of praise for the man who would eventually beat him back to Old Trafford, claiming that he has all the ability to go right to the top.
“I am 100 per cent sure that Michael will be the manager of Manchester United if he wants to be,” Solskjaer said.
“He’s had Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as managers, and he’s played with the best players in the world. He’s a winner, but he’s still in control of his emotions. I cannot see him not being the Manchester United manager.”
The players will want to play for Carrick, says Solskjær
There have been a host of complaints from those who follow United that the player have sometimes looked like they have not vaught into managerial methods. In the interview, Solskjær also expanded on the style of management Carrick has: one that players buy into quickly.
“He’s a winner, a massive winner, yet he stays in control of his emotions. He knows what he wants and doesn’t lose his rag. He’ll never be emotional and fight with the players,” Solskjær continued.
“Chuba Akpom, his top scorer, said recently that Michael’s the manager he’s always dreamed of having and I can believe that.
Read More: Why Darren Fletcher rejected Michael Carrick coaching role as Man Utd backroom staff confirmed
“As a player, you’d want to do well for Michael because he cares about you. He wants you to be the best you can be. If I was a player I’d want him as a manager because he wouldn’t be unreasonable. He knows what he wants. He demands respect and hard work, but he gives it back as well.
“He’s knowledgeable, he’s hard-working. When I was at United in 2018, I have to say that Michael and Kieran [McKenna] were usually in the office before me. They were meticulous, looking at every detail.”
Carrick has a hard task, with the ties against Arsenal and City providing an incredibly tough initial test. With 17 Premier League games to go, United are aiming for Champions League spots, and it’s up to the Englishman to deliver it.
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