Interim manager has taken 32 points from 14 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, more than any other manager in the league
It was just another workday when Michael Carrick oversaw Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, the first time in ten years the club have completed a league double over their historic rivals.
United under Carrick have also beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa this year, all of the other sides who are occupying, or have occupied, the top six this season.
And while two huge errors brought Liverpool back into the game, United scored a late goal anyway through Kobbie Mainoo to guarantee the win. Still nothing to see here. Just a regular workday.
At the end Carrick, who has now spent more than 15 years at United as player and coach, said managing the club “feels pretty natural”.
“It’s been a good run,” said Carrick. “We’ve beaten some very, very good teams and it’s been challenging. Sometimes we’ve won it in some ways, sometimes we’ve won it in other ways. I love doing what I’m doing. It’s a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural if I’m totally honest.
“I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role, but it feels like I’ve been here a long time, in different times on and off, but I can understand what it brings and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in.”
The interim manager has taken 32 points from 14 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, more than any other manager in the league. It has strengthened his position as the leading candidate for the permanent job in the summer.
Carrick acknowledged the team’s progress since his arrival, particularly with Champions League qualification secured with three games remaining.
“When we came in, the Champions League was a little bit in the distance so to be where we are, with three games to spare, is a good achievement,” said Carrick.
But he is not giving anything away regarding his future at the club beyond the summer: “We will just have to wait and see.”
