Manchester United have been urged to overlook caretaker boss Michael Carrick and appoint a ‘higher’ Champions League manager at the top of the season.
Carrick has emerged as a robust contender for the everlasting Old Trafford job after overseeing a powerful resurgence since Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
The previous United and England midfielder has led Manchester United to seven league wins in ten games, including victories over Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
Carrick’s return to Old Trafford was only expected to be temporary, with Manchester United planning to appoint Amorim’s everlasting alternative in the summertime.
But United’s impressive form under the ex-midfielder has led to calls for Carrick to be handed the reigns on a everlasting basis come the top of the season.
Andy Townsend has been impressed by the job Carrick has done at Manchester United but believes the club must be on the lookout for someone ‘higher’, naming Diego Simeone as his top selection for the job.
Simeone is probably the most respected coaches in world football, having led Atletico Madrid to 2 La Liga titles and two Champions League finals during his long spell accountable for the Spanish club.
Townsend believes Simeone, 55, has the ‘qualities’ to assist Manchester United catch Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
‘I feel there’s probably someone on the market higher than Michael Carrick though he’s done thoroughly,’ Townsend told Boylesports.
‘I believe there can be those that are higher equipped to administer a club like Manchester United than he can.
‘I believe you could have to be on the lookout for an elite manager, someone that has handled the very biggest players and personalities and has handled pressure from above and the terraces.
‘I don’t think Antonio Conte can be the best fit. Out of all of them, the one manager I would love to see at United is Diego Simeone.
‘I believe his football and the way in which his Atletico Madrid team have played is type of more suited to the Premier League.
‘I don’t think his sort of play would please the United fans. They need something more flamboyant.
‘But for the time being, United have to get back on level terms with the likes of City and Liverpool and take a look at to get ahead of Arsenal, I don’t think you wish someone who’s talking concerning the beautiful game.
Carrick’s record as United interim head coach
Games: 10
Wins: 7
Draws: 2
Defeats: 1
Goals scored: 20
Goals conceded: 11
Points: 23
‘You would like someone who is ready to place massive demands on the players on a consistent basis and drag performances and victories out of them. Only Simeone has those qualities.’
While former Premier League and Ireland midfielder Townsend believes Manchester United can do higher than Carrick, he praised the impact caretaker manager has had on the team.
‘I believe Michael Carrick has done a very good job since he’s are available in,’ added Townsend, 62.
‘A number of the decisions he’s made have been very straightforward like playing Kobbie Mainoo. He’s been naming unchanged starting line-ups and that’s never a nasty thing.
‘In the event you’ve got a winning team, don’t change it. Too many managers rotate players when their team’s been on run. Rapidly they’re giving this player a game, that player a game, but when you could have a winning team, and they give the impression of being like they’re having fun with things, just roll with it.
‘Keep going. Live in that moment. Suddenly, you’re five games unbeaten as United are. There’s a simplicity and an effectiveness to what Michael has done and he’s doing it in an understated manner.
‘He doesn’t shout from the rooftops. He doesn’t have to sit down there with a tactics board, moving little discs around.
Should Carrick be appointed permanently?
Yes – he’s the right man for the job
No – there are higher options on the market
‘He may not be joyful with every little thing that he’s seeing on a regular basis. I’m sure he’s not but he looks like he’s on top of things. Perception has never been more vital for a manager than it’s in today’s game.
‘In case your manager is pacing up and down, jumping up and down, not taking a look at corners after they’re coming in like Ruben Amorim, afraid to take a look if you’re defending a corner and observing his feet, that puts you on the back foot immediately with people.
‘Michael isn’t promising the earth. He’s giving players the license to play with more freedom and be a bit more spontaneous on the sphere, particularly in those forward areas. Lo and behold, they’ve began winning just a few.’
Manchester United return to Premier League motion against arch-rivals Leeds United on Monday night.
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