Michael Carrick has opened up on one of the traits that he believes has played a huge role in Manchester United’s recent success on the pitch.
Michael Carrick has made the perfect start to life as Manchester United’s head coach, arriving to steady the ship after Rúben Amorim’s dismissal last month.
Despite being handed a daunting run of fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, United have taken 13 points from a possible 15, dropping points only in the latter clash.
Even then, the 1-1 draw with the Hammers underlined the side’s character, as Benjamin Šeško struck deep into stoppage time in the 96th minute to preserve United’s unbeaten run.
With no FA Cup involvement granting the Reds a 13-day break, Carrick’s attention now turns fully to Monday night’s trip to Everton.
Respect is Carrick’s secret weapon
There has been a lot of talk surrounding how Carrick has been able to get such a brilliant tune out of United’s squad so quickly after their failings under Amorim, with some feeling that the Englishman may just be tactically superior.
However, speaking to the BBC, Carrick has revealed that he feels much of the good work United have been putting in on the pitch is more down to the level of respect he has shown those around him – both the players and the coaching staff.
“I like being around people,” Carrick explained. “I like to share things. I’m not one that would be an individual as such and I don’t promote the fact that I’ve got all the answers.
“I’m quite happy to discuss that. I think getting the best out of people – whether that’s in the industry of TV or in the industry of sport or business… I think treating people with respect.
“I think that whatever it is, the technical side, tactical side, we can get better at all that, but if you haven’t got a connection and that buy-in and that willingness to want to come with you and follow you, then all the other bits kind of lose their value and you don’t get to fulfil all that potential.
“So I see it as a massive, massive thing to get that connection with people.”
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Carrick’s best qualities are in-built instinct
Carrick did not just play at United, but also had great spells at the likes of West Ham, Newcastle, and Tottenham during his career.
Speaking further, interviewer Mark Chapman asked which of his former managers he looks to replicate in his style. Carrick answered by explaining that he does not really attribute specific aspects of his style to the ex-manager, but instead feels his coaching qualities come naturally from his experience.
“There’s a few times I’ve done something and then it’s not until after that I remember something that happened years ago with different managers or coaches,” Carrick continued.
“Experience is a beautiful thing to draw upon in different ways, and that’s just life. Listen, Sir Alex had the biggest impact on me – I think that’s pretty obvious to say because of everything we achieved here.
“But I think just learning and knowing that I’ve never got all the answers, and to just keep searching for more experience. That’s why the staff are there to help in that regard.”
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