Manchester United’s senior players have been won over by Michael Carrick and ‘the bulk’ of the squad would reportedly be keen for the interim head coach to be offered a long-term contract.
The Red Devils found themselves in a state of disarray when Carrick took over the reins on a short lived basis last month, with Ruben Amorim picking up just three wins from his final 11 matches on the helm.
Darren Fletcher struggled to regular the ship while in charge as caretaker manager, overseeing a 2-2 draw away to lowly Burnley before suffering defeat to Brighton within the third round of the FA Cup.
But since picking up the pieces from Fletcher, Carrick has led the side to seven wins from a possible ten within the English top flight and, in the method, brought a way of optimism back to the fanbase which has been so badly lacking within the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
A number of high-profile managers were linked with the United job within the wake of Amorim’s dismissal, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner.
But Tuchel, who at one stage was viewed because the outstanding candidate, went on to effectively rule himself out of the running by extending his take care of England until Euro 2028.
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In keeping with The Sun, though, Carrick’s impressive start has been such that senior members of the dressing room now want the ex-United, Tottenham and England midfielder to be appointed on a full-time basis.
It’s claimed the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have all been blown away by Carrick’s tactical approach and his ‘knowledge of the world game’.
Carrick’s current contract on the Theatre of Dreams runs through to the top of the 2025/26 campaign and the club are yet to supply any assurances over his future beyond the summer.
United’s decision could ultimately come right down to whether or not Carrick succeeds in steering the club to Champions League qualification, with the side currently positioned strongly in third.
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‘Michael has are available and done great because he has been a breath of fresh air,’ an Old Trafford source is reported to have told The Sun.
‘Among the players expected that, because playing for Amorim was like playing chess.
‘You needed to follow his rules to the tee, whereas Michael has told them to precise themselves.
‘What they’re really impressed with is his knowledge of the sport.’
The source added: ‘He knows about players in other leagues and clearly spends an awful lot of time serious about football and following it.
‘The players understand it’s not their decision, but the bulk could be comfortable if he got the job permanently.’
Former United players and club legends have been split relating to the manager’s position, with each Gary Neville and Roy Keane voicing their doubts above Carrick’s long-term credentials.
Nevertheless, Juan Mata, who shared a dressing room with Carrick for five seasons, believes his former team-mate has proven he’s ‘capable’ in his audition for the everlasting job.
On suggestions that Carrick ought to be given a full-time deal, the ex-United and Spain midfielder told talkSPORT: ‘Well, Michael may be very capable.
‘He’s a really intelligent guy. To start with, as an individual, I really like him.
‘He was a incredible team-mate, all the time there for you, he never desired to take the highlight but he let his football talk.
‘He was very necessary for the team all the time, searching for these passes, especially for players like me in between the lines.’
In keeping with Mata, Carrick is just replicating what he did so brillianty during his playing days in quietly setting an ‘example’ for those around him to follow.
‘Within the dressing room, he was an example for all of us: his character and his professionalism,’ the Spaniard added.
‘And again, I said it, he’s a really intelligent guy that loves the sport and I’m very comfortable that he’s getting the outcomes that the club need.
‘He knows the best way to get to the players, in fact, and I’m having fun with watching the games in the mean time.’
Has Carrick done enough to be given the full-time job?
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