Michael Carrick has been told his first challenge as newly appointed Manchester United manager by Sir Alex Ferguson’s coach
Manchester United are set to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s manager for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s sacking last Monday.
The former red is entering a frosty environment with Amorim’s sacking coming after a conflict with Jason Wilcox leaving the club with the decision to move on from the Portuguese manager.
Carrick will be stepping in place of Darren Fletcher, who will return to his role of managing United U18’s, following his two games in management resulting in a point away from home at Burnley and the end of United’s FA Cup at the first hurdle in a 2-1 loss to Brighton at home.
Carrick has many eyes on him as he is set for his first challenge on his return to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson’s coach, Rene Meulensteen has revealed.
Carrick must deal with flop signings
Rene Muelensteen, who was Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand-man at United has spoken out on the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tippy Football podcast in partnership with BOYLE Sports, highlighting Carrick’s initial task in the role.
“I know Michael, and I rate him highly. He was a very intelligent player, and I think he did a really good job at Middlesbrough.
“But it’s a team without any direction. If you asked individuals in that team, what are you? What is the identity of this team? That needs to be put in place.
“He’ll know what to do. He’ll have to go in there and be really clear to the players. Coaching is going to be vital. They need to start getting clean sheets, the way they defend has to be coached, whatever the formation is.
“It depends on how strong he is when he comes in, the messages, the clarity of those messages, to make sure the players buy into it really quickly.
“The fact they have City and Arsenal next couldn’t have come at a better time, because they have to step up – and step up now.”
Carrick thrown in the deep end
Carrick already had a taste of management for United, temporarily taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2021/22 season as United beat both Arsenal in the Premier League and Villarreal in the Champions League as well as holding Chelsea to a draw.
The 44-year-old is tasked with facing rivals Manchester City in his first outing aiming to get the best out of United’s players with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu looking more confident with time.
Read More: “I cannot see…” What Ole Gunnar Solskjær said about Michael Carrick as Man Utd manager confirmed
The potential return of Bryan Mbeumo could swing in Carrick’s favour who has been one of United’s biggest threats this season after his arrival from Brentford in the summer.
United are still targeting a Champions League finish, but with 17 games remaining and the competition being incredibly close, the job will be tough for Carrick to control.
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