Michael Carrick has shared his optimism ahead of his first full season as Manchester United head coach. He also offered some insight into his relationship with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Although the 2026 World Cup has kicked off and has taken the spotlight in the off-season, it’s a different story for Michael Carrick and people working at Manchester United.
After securing Champions League qualification and finishing third in the Premier League after a difficult first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim, Carrick will want to ensure his team kicks on to show they can compete at the highest level.
It took Carrick five months to prove himself as interim head coach, but the 44-year-old has finally lifted the lid on his relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a new interview ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe picks Michael Carrick’s brain
Carrick gained a lot of backing for the job after helping turn United’s season around.
After being appointed head coach, the aim becomes winning the Premier League, although not immediately, but United fans would be right to demand a competitive team next season.
Carrick needs the backing of Ratcliffe and the board to achieve that, not that they didn’t give that to the previous head coach.
In an interview with Andy Mitten for the respected United We Stand fanzine, Carrick was thankful for the trust placed in him by Ratcliffe, outlining how the British billionaire picks his brain on football matters.
“Nothing crazy formal,” Ratcliffe said.
“It’s just chatting.
“Him picking my brains on a few things. General conversations about the players or club or feelings. It’s not maybe how you think it would be. He’s been good with me to be honest and left me to do a lot of the work and trusting me.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Michael Carrick says he has a relaxed relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- Ratcliffe likes to pick Carrick’s brain on football matters
- Carrick is thankful of the trust Ratcliffe has shown in him
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Michael Carrick demands winning, exciting football at Man Utd
Carrick has a two-year contract to his name, but he has yet to build a side on which he wants to form his legacy as a United head coach.
With that, United fans are eager to see what changes are made to the squad over the summer. We already know Casemiro has left as a free agent, with more following him through the exit door.
Looking forward to Friday’s release of next season’s Premier League fixtures, Carrick shared a sense of confidence when asked if he was optimistic for the new campaign.
Carrick told United We Stand: “Yes, big time.”
He also stressed that he wants his United side to play winning, exciting football, adding: “Winning, exciting football is what comes to mind.
“There are all sorts of different ways to get there but a version of winning and exciting football. There’s a responsibility to try and produce both.”
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