MICHAEL CARRICK entered the Premier League history books and with that has handed Manchester United a huge headache.
The caretaker boss, who took over the top job from axed Ruben Amorim, now has officially the joint-best start after nine games by any manager or head coach in the history of the EPL.
A total of 23 points after nine games, following victory over Crystal Palace puts him alongside former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
It’s been quite the impact from the former England midfielder as United now move above Aston Villa into third and put themselves well in the fight for Champions League football next term.
On top of a place in Premier League history, the 44-year-old has also won five league matches on the trot at Old Trafford – one from his first stint as caretaker and four in this current regime – a feat only matched once.
In his current spell he’s won six and drawn one of seven games – with his team picking up notable results over title chasing duo Arsenal and Manchester City in back to back weeks.
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That, has of course, thrown up the conundrum for the United board over the future as they weigh up next manager options.
Carrick‘s form and results throws his hat firmly into the centre of the ring.
But do United stick and go down that inexperienced route once more or do they seek to look around and shortlist options from across the globe?
It’s a debate that will cause a divide, dominate chatter between fans and the wider football world and also hits the headlines with ex-pros and pundits in the media world.
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Inside the four walls of Old Trafford we exclusively revealed that the players want Carrick to be handed a long-term deal.
Sources say the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are impressed both with Carrick’s tactical approach and his knowledge of the world game.
But what about those not inside the dressing room? What have they been saying in regards to Carrick and the future?
Gary Neville: ‘I’m not against him being appointed. I love him to bits and think that he’s done an incredible job so far.
“I just feel that Manchester United should go for the best class of manager available.
“They’ve had young and inexperienced managers in the last two picks which have not quite worked.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come in before as an ex-player, who did a very good job for a couple of years, but that didn’t work in the end.
“So I just feel removing as much risk as possible is the right option.
‘But people who know me will know that’s not personal against Michael because I love him to bits. He’s a great lad, a great player and someone who’s doing a very good job as a coach now.’
Roy Keane previously stated: “I don’t think it’s the right decision, good luck with it.
“I’m sticking to my guns. I’ve said my piece, I think that he’s got the job, and if he gets it in the summer then you go ‘listen, good luck to him’.
“But as a caretaker manager, it’s a different animal to being manager of United trying to win league titles over the next two, three, four, five years, whatever it might be.
“I think you can get a better manager than Carrick, absolutely. But I think he’s doing a good job. But just cause you’re doing well at United, it doesn’t mean he’ll do well at another club.”
Rio Ferdinand on Keane stance over Carrick: “There’s risks with anyone that goes in there.
“No matter what Michael Carrick does, how well he does, and if he got the job on the back of a great ending to the season, there’s still risk.
“There’s an element of risk, but with every one of the names that get thrown into the hat, there an element of risk with all of them. “
Dion Dublin: “The best way to make noise is getting the points and keep doing your job.
“Michael Carrick is a quality person and a lovely man. He doesn’t shout and he doesn’t scream, but he gets his point across.”
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Carrick’s current run has unsurprisingly made him the clear odds-on favourite with the bookies to be named the manager on a full-time basis.
The likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Naglesman, Gareth Southgate and Unai Emery all follow in the betting markets.
Not the high-profile name and experience on his CV in terms of the Premier League or major European leagues, but Carrick did boss Middlesbrough in the English Championship on 136 occasions.
Is he the man that United chiefs should and will put their faith in?
Time will tell, but for now all he can do is continue putting his name in the headlines for all the right reasons and rubberstamp a return to Europe’s top table and land the riches that come with it.
The message from the club as it stands is clear: “Keep calm and Carrick on.”
Michael Carrick’s league results as Man Utd boss
- 28/11/21 – Premier League vs Chelsea – 1-1
- 02/12/21 – Premier League vs Arenal – 3-2 win
- 17/01/26 – Premier League vs Man City – 2-0 win
- 25/01/26 – Premier League vs Arsenal – 3-2 win
- 01/02/26 – Premier League vs Fulham – 3-2 win
- 07/02/26 – Premier League vs Tottenham – 2-0 win
- 10/02/26- Premier League vs West Ham – 1-1
- 23/02/26 – Premier League vs Everton – 1-0 win
- 01/03/26 – Premier League vs Crystal Palace – 2-1 win