Michael Carrick has completely agreed with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent assessment of two former Manchester United players.
After hanging up his boots in 2018, Michael Carrick wasted no time in stepping into a coaching role at Manchester United. He joined José Mourinho’s backroom team and remained at the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, gradually becoming a key voice in the dressing room.
Carrick’s influence grew during Solskjær’s reign, where he was widely praised for his calm demeanour and tactical input, particularly when working with the midfield unit.
When Solskjær was dismissed in late 2021, Carrick briefly took charge as caretaker manager before deciding to step away from the club following Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
Carrick spent three years as manager of Middlesborough but was dismissed earlier this year and has since reflected on his time at Old Trafford and praised one player in particular.
Carrick completely agrees with Solskjær on ex-United duo
Scott McTominay departed United last summer and has since become a crucial player for Napoli, winning the Serie A during his first season in Italy, as well as the division’s Player of the Season award.
McTominay scored 12 goals from an advanced midfield position in Antonio Conte’s side and his goalscoring was always a trait Carrick admired.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær criticised United for selling the Scotsman recently, stating that him and Fred had a great relationship in the middle of the park, and Carrick appears to have the same opinion.
“We played a lot with him and Fred and actually had a lot of good success in many ways with the two of them more defensively,” Carrick said during an interview with Rio Ferdinand when asked about McTominay.
“He was a box-to-box, done a bit of everything, but was more defensive. He was reliable, fantastic attitude, great to work with.
“But in training, he always had an eye for goal, he was a great finisher. Getting in the box, he had that. Scotty has a sense of that, getting in the box and it drops for him.
“We tried it a couple of times but just because of the makeup of the team, it didn’t quite work out at that time but there was always something in there where you thought he had goals in him.
“I’m so happy he’s gone on to do well because he deserves it. I’m sad that it’s not at United because I think he’s the one you want at the club because he drives you, he’s the heart and soul, but to see him go and do well speaks volumes.”
McTominay wants to see United succeed
McTominay’s success away from Old Trafford should be something fans are happy about, but there is a bittersweet feeling because of the struggles at the club.
But it is good for the Scotsman that he is excelling elsewhere and that would be the only feeling if United were also doing well. That is something the player himself wants to see as soon as possible.
“I always want the absolute best for Manchester United, it’s been my life for 22-23 years,” the midfielder stated while at Wimbledon in the off-season.
“For me, I wish the club all the success in the world and I’ll be with them every step of the way. I want them to do well.”
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