Manchester United's winning streak continues as Carrick analyzes the match overnight, working late without a break! Sir Jim Ratcliffe expresses great satisfaction

Following the win over Arsenal in London, the team’s bus traveled at high speed on the M6 for four hours, returning to Carrington near midnight. The players were still upbeat, and Carrick along with his coaching team had their sights set on next week’s preparations. According to the Manchester Evening News, Carrick’s team reviewed footage of the 3-2 Arsenal victory during the journey north to Manchester. Their next opponents are also from London, with Fulham set to visit Old Trafford.

The team had a rest day after the match; however, Carrick and the coaches took no time off and worked overtime planning training sessions for the Fulham game. On Monday afternoon at 1 PM, they watched Manchester United’s U21 squad draw 1-1 against Brighton in the Premier League 2. Sheya Lacey scored first, but Kofi Shaw equalized for the visitors in the second half.

Since Carrick took charge at Manchester United, he has attended all three matches played by the youth teams. This demonstrates his dedication, and reportedly, the parents of the Red Devils’ youth players greatly appreciate this approach. Previously, Ruben Amorim’s criticism of the academy had left young players’ parents feeling disheartened.

Last Friday, Rooney watched the Manchester United youth team’s FA Youth Cup match alongside Carrick. His eldest son, Kai, made his debut at Old Trafford as a substitute. Rooney revealed that before the game, Carrick expressed confidence in defeating Arsenal away. “Michael (Carrick) told me that the United players are actually very strong. He felt he had to end training early because they were in such good form, wanting to preserve that feeling and avoid burning out,” Rooney said. “The match proved it; United’s performance was absolutely brilliant.”

Manchester United U21 head coach Darren Fletcher was also on the sidelines. His two temporary matches in charge have not resulted in wins. British media reported that players do not hold any grievances against him; his work is steady but lacks highlights, and fans had lost hope for this season at one point.

Now, the situation has changed, with Manchester United fans chanting “Premier League champions” at the Emirates Stadium. While winning the league this season is unlikely, it shows the hope Carrick has brought to the club. “It’s Carrick, you know!” sang the Red Devils supporters.

After the Arsenal match, Carrick was prepared to give an interview to Norwegian media but was instead summoned by Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Sir Jim watched the game live and was later seen smiling as he entered the dressing room with CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Sir Jim spoke briefly with Carrick before taking the elevator to leave the Emirates Stadium. When asked for an interview, he waved off the request: “No, no, no! Just smiling.” But when questioned if he was pleased with the result, Sir Jim replied, “Very satisfied.”

In the UK betting odds for Manchester United’s permanent manager next season, Carrick leads at 13/8, far ahead of second favorite Oliver Glasner at 11/4. Former United captain Roy Keane, who reportedly has conflicts with Carrick’s wife, stated before the match that regardless of results, United should not make Carrick the permanent manager next season.

This angered another United legend, Rio Ferdinand, who said, “He’s earned 6 points! Yet some people tell me that no matter what Carrick does, he shouldn’t get the chance to manage United permanently. How on earth did they come to that conclusion? Where do these people come from? This disrespect is outrageous. Why say that? It’s nonsense.”

Currently, Carrick’s permanent appointment is not on the agenda, but if he continues to achieve good results, Sir Jim will certainly give it serious consideration. The 44-year-old Carrick has earned praise for his modesty, humility, and grounded approach. He has not mentioned Sir Ferguson, his playing honors, or talked empty words about the United DNA.

Although Carrick is now highly praised, he has repeatedly emphasized the hard work of his coaching staff—Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion—saying they have been crucial to the team’s achievements in just two weeks.

Carrick’s team had only three training sessions to prepare for the Manchester City match but devised a plan to control the derby, playing aggressively with quick counterattacks. The following week, they found a strategy for the away game against Arsenal, effectively limiting the Premier League leaders’ influence and rendering Arteta’s team ineffective in open play. Holland was reportedly instrumental in this; as the most experienced member of United’s coaching staff, this Manchester native quickly earned the entire squad’s respect.

The challenges Carrick and the team face are about to change. In recent years, Manchester United often achieved tactical success in matches where they were underdogs—for example, under Solskjaer, the Red Devils’ record against the Premier League’s top six was 9 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses. But in Sunday’s home match against Fulham, United will need to control possession, dominate the game, and break down the opponent’s compact defense. This means the coaching staff will have to adjust their tactical approach again this week.

Carrick said the team’s tactical system still has many layers to refine and some areas to improve. This certainly includes breaking down opponents’ low defensive blocks. United’s weakness this season has been failing to beat teams at home that they should comfortably overcome.

If they can achieve this, calls for Carrick’s permanent appointment may grow louder. However, Carrick himself refuses to discuss the matter. “We can’t get carried away. These are indeed two significant victories, but we will remain calm. I’m enjoying all of this and will continue to give my best,” he said.