Former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic has backed interim boss Michael Carrick to become the club’s permanent manager by outlining why he thinks his former teammate is perfectly suited to the role.
Michael Carrick became Manchester United head coach on an interim basis until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.
Since then, Carrick has guided the team to third place in the Premier League with six games remaining.
United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Leeds on Monday night, which means there is additional pressure on Carrick to ensure the Red Devils don’t collapse in their pursuit of Champions League football.
Is Michael Carrick the right man? United have only won one of the last four games…
Nemanja Vidic explains why Michael Carrick is perfect for Man Utd
After winning just one game in the last four, questions are being asked of Carrick.
The only way to fix that is by getting back to winning ways and showing consistency for the remainder of the season.
United travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday and will be hoping to extend their lead over Liam Rosenior’s side to 10 points, after failing to do so on Monday night.
Speaking to official Manchester United media before watching Carrick’s side take on Leeds at Old Trafford, former United star Nemanja Vidic explained why he believes his ex-teammate is perfectly suited to the job.
“I played with Michael nine years and I know him really well,” Vidic said.
“He’s a great character, a strong character but obviously in a different way. He’s very knowledgeable, very calm and you can always rely on him.
“He’s not the guy who is going to have many days up and down, he’s always going to be in the same line and you can see [that in] the way he is in the games and how he’s presenting the club in the media.
“This is the manager you want to have in the club, because he’s the face of the club. I think he represents the club in the best manner, plus he got the results — seven wins in 10 games, two draws and just one game lost [before Leeds].
“That’s a fantastic record, plus I believe the players are enjoying it and taking the best out of it.
“He’s doing a fantastic job. Obviously [it’s] Michael Carrick and his team. I’m hoping they’re going to keep doing their job well, like they’re doing now, and secure that Champions League spot, which we are all expecting from them to do and it’s important for the fans and the club.
“We want to go and watch Manchester United against the best teams in the world.”
Vidic also stresses the importance of United being back in the Champions League. It would be a huge feat considering the team struggled throughout the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Nemanja Vidic backs Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach
- Vidic hails the 44-year-old’s character and knowledge
- Securing Champions League is a priority for Vidic
With six games remaining, where do you now think Man Utd will finish?
What trophies did Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic win together at Man Utd?
During their eight seasons as teammates at Old Trafford, Carrick and Vidic played in one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides in the 2007/08 season.
Together, they won a total of 10 major trophies.
The honours include five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, and three League Cups.
Carrick and Vidic’s biggest feat together was the double in 2008, although United should have won the treble – for a second time – that season.
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