Michael Carrick’s biggest challenge at Manchester United awaits him once his permanent appointment is confirmed.
Manchester United were sixth when Ruben Amorim was sacked back in January, but under Michael Carrick, the Red Devils are now on track to finish third.
As a result of his exceptional interim spell, Carrick is expected to get the permanent job this summer despite pushback from pundits – and a portion of the fanbase.
Michael Carrick has now beaten Liverpool, City, Arsenal, Villa, and Chelsea – Do you want him to be the permanent manager?
What did he get right (and wrong) vs Liverpool?
Michael Carrick will have to disprove his biggest criticism
One of the biggest concerns is that Carrick has very little managerial experience. Outside of his two interim spells at United, he has only taken charge of Middlesbrough.
Pundits like Gary Neville want United to hire a world-class coach instead of Carrick – a stance that is echoed by Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
The reality is that the manager market is lacking world-class options. Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Luis Enrique are all tied up in other projects.
But that won’t stop Carrick from hearing that exact criticism as soon as things get tough at United. One string of bad results will reignite conversation around ‘why United didn’t hire a world-class coach’ instead of Carrick.
Even portions of the United fanbase remain unsure about Carrick’s long-term potential and ceiling as a manager. It’s up to the 44-year-old to prove that he has the capability of winning the biggest trophies in charge of United and not just be a coach who was brought in to improve the mood.
Carrick says Top 5 isn’t enough. Honestly, based on his run, do you think we are a genuine Title Contender for next season?
Michael Carrick has Zinedine Zidane potential
Any criticism or concern that has been aimed towards Carrick so far this season (or next) could have been aimed at Zinedine Zidane when he first took charge of Real Madrid.
Madrid put faith in a club legend to take charge, and Zidane went on to win three Champions League titles with Los Blancos.
Before that job, Zidane had very little prior experience and was hired on the back of his knowledge of the club.
There are similarities between Carrick and Zidane, and that is what Ineos are gambling on if they give him the permanent job.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
