Michael Carrick deserves the Manchester United job but can he take them to the next level?

Michael Carrick has finally been confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent manager on a two-year deal with the option for another 12 months.

The show of faith in the former Red Devils midfielder is a fitting reward for delivering a third-placed finish and Champions League qualification since being appointed as interim boss in January.

Here, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall analyses Carrick’s impact at Old Trafford and whether he can fashion a challenge for honours next season..

Taking the reins at a time of crisis

Ruben Amorim’s 14-month tenure ended when he was sacked in January after criticising the club’s hierarchy following a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

It felt like the axe had been ready to fall on Amorim for some time, especially after last season’s dismal 15th-placed finish, which marked United’s worst league placing for 50 years.

Darren Fletcher initially took the temporary reins before legendary ex-player Carrick returned to Old Trafford to assume the role of caretaker until the end of the season.

He needed no time at all to engineer a major upturn, beating Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge.

Getty Images

That began a run of seven Premier League wins in nine games and immediately fired the Red Devils right back into Champions League contention.

Although there have been a couple of blips – losing at Newcastle and at home to Leeds – United have generally been on a huge upward curve under Carrick’s guidance.

Fittingly, Champions League qualification was secured with a 3-2 home win over sworn enemies Liverpool on May 3.

United go into their final-day trip to Brighton having won 11 times in 16 Premier League games since Carrick took the reins.

 Significantly, United have taken more points than any other club since Carrick took charge.

What has been Carrick’s magic formula?

The 44-year-old has succeeded with a calm, measured approach and the contrast to his predecessor could not be greater.

Whereas Amorim created so many unnecessary melodramas and unwanted headlines during press conferences, Carrick’s cool, calm demeanour has been a refreshing antidote.

His players have responded with the likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes having thrived under his guidance in the heart of midfield.

Homegrown star Mainoo, a boyhood United fan from Stockport, had effectively been cast aside by Amorim but has been a player reborn since the change in the Old Trafford dug-out.

Mainoo recently signed a lucrative new deal and celebrated it with the winning goal against Liverpool earlier this month, firing home in front of a raucous Stretford End.

Getty Images

It was an apt symbol of his stunning renaissance under Carrick.

Harry Maguire has been in fine form too, which made his omission from the England’s World Cup all the more mystifying.

Striker Benjamin Sesko is another man to show his best form under Carrick, scoring seven times since his arrival, to suggest that he could be a centre forward to build a team around.

Master craftsman Fernandes has been a shining light in the middle of the park, winning the 2025/26 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award.

The Portuguese midfielder equalled the Premier League record for assists in a season during last week’s entertaining 3-2 home win over Nottingham Forest.

Fernandes’ cross from the right was turned home by Bryan Mbeumo to make it 3-1, taking the United skipper level with Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne on 20 assists.

Carrick has created a feel-good factor among his players and a greater sense of togetherness with the club’s supporters.

A club synonymous with adventurous, attacking football have shown plenty of signs of their old selves under Carrick, with the goals having flowed freely so far during his tenure.

Where do United go from here?

Casemiro is leaving the club and will leave a huge void that needs plugging, and Manuel Ugarte could also be offloaded having failed to make the grade at Old Trafford.

A number of top midfielders are being linked with United as potential replacements.

The list includes Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni.

Getty Images

 Joshua Zirkzee’s future appears to be in doubt with the Dutch forward having struggled to make an impact since his £36.5million transfer from Bologna in the summer of 2024.

The 24-year-old has scored just nine times in 74 appearances and a summer exit looks on the cards.

Nevertheless, the basis of a hugely competitive side is already in place for United under Carrick – with talented young players such as Ayden Heaven having made huge progress under his watch.

What might they be capable of next season?

Having finished third under Carrick, United will be expected to kick on further next term and maybe, just maybe, compete for the Premier League title.

That will take some doing, especially with the added pressure of playing in the Champions League and a congested fixture schedule.

That is not something Carrick has had to contend with so far and the demands will increase significantly next season. 

But an upwardly mobile squad looks will be bolstered by new faces as United ready themselves for a European return and challenge for domestic honours.

If they get their recruitment right this summer, a successful 2026-27 campaign surely beckons.

 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League and Serie A action. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.