As Manchester United’s search for a permanent head coach to lead the side next summer continues, Nemanja Vidić has offered his full support to one candidate.
Just over two months ago, Rúben Amorim oversaw his last game in charge at Manchester United, with an explosive outburst after his side’s 1-1 draw against Leeds being his last act as United’s boss.
At the time, United were 6th in the Premier League, level with Chelsea on 31 points, and just four points above Crystal Palace in 14th.
Just nine gameweeks later, United find themselves in third place, level with Aston Villa on 51 points, firmly cementing themselves in the Champions League places.
Led by Michael Carrick, United look like a completely different side, with the club’s disappointing loss to Newcastle the first under Carrick’s tenure.
Vidić backs Carrick for permanent role
Despite insisting that the club won’t rush to a decision regarding the permanent head coach role at the end of the season, many are already convinced that Carrick is the right man to lead the side out next season.
One of these people is legendary United centre-back and one of Carrick’s former teammates, Nemanja Vidić, who has given his full support.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said, “Michael [Carrick] and the players have my support, and I hope they provide us with the Champions League football that United must have.
“That’s the aim for now. Let Michael and his players try to reach it. Don’t put pressure on him as to what comes after. Let’s enjoy it for now. Under Michael, I saw a reaction from the players, especially in the first few games. I was at the Manchester derby [in January] with my friend Vladimir.
“I sat next to Sir Alex [Ferguson], and it was wonderful to see him. Vladimir said it was the best day of his life, after the birth of his child! I’d not felt Old Trafford with that energy and passion for a long time.”
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Carrick’s stance on the permanent role
Since impressing in his opening games, Carrick has constantly been asked about the chances of taking the job permanently in the summer, despite initially making it clear that he would only take charge until the end of the season when he was initially linked with the role.
After recently beating Crystal Palace, he said, “I love being here. I love doing what I’m doing,” Carrick said. “Of course, winning games helps, and the boys are doing great with that. We’ll just have to see where it ends up. There’s not really much I can give you on top of that.”
After his time at Middlesbrough came to an end last year, Carrick made several appearances as a pundit on the likes of Match of the Day and Amazon’s Champions League coverage. Despite saying that he enjoyed those experiences, he said that he still has the coaching bug.
“I never really lost it, to be honest, whether it’s managing, head coach, whatever role that is,” he said. “It comes down to working with players and people, really, to get the best out of people and backroom staff and supporters.”
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