Why is Carrick still said to be "unfit for a permanent role" despite consecutive wins over the Premier League's top two?

By Han Bing In just 12 days, Carrick helped Manchester United beat Manchester City and Arsenal, giving fans renewed hope. When reporters brought up the fans chanting "We want to win the Premier League," Carrick responded with a smile, "We've been together for less than two weeks; looking too far ahead could be counterproductive. Nothing has changed, humility is essential, and we must maintain the momentum."

Carrick only briefly jumped onto the bench to celebrate after Cunha secured the win, regaining composure as the referee blew the final whistle. When he went to thank the away fans after the match, Carrick focused on his two daughters, Louise and Jessie, in the crowd: "I saw them, and they were as happy as everyone else." Unlike the players, Carrick was less optimistic, but there’s no doubt that both media and fans are debating whether Carrick deserves a permanent managerial contract.

Compared to the unbeaten rescue missions four years ago against Emery, Arteta, and drawing with Tuchel, this consecutive victory over the Premier League’s top two is clearly more impressive. His decision to reinstate Matic in the starting lineup was very wise; Mbemou and Doku scored in consecutive games. Although choosing Cunha was once seen as risky, the Brazilian striker contributed goals as a substitute in two matches, proving Carrick’s good judgment. Arsenal legend Wenger praised Carrick’s coaching skills: "I must congratulate Carrick for creating a miracle. Manchester United’s tactics are innovative. He has found a great balance, ensuring defensive stability while allowing quality technical play."

Unlike the fans’ enthusiastic cheers, Manchester United legends praised the team’s changes, but when the topic shifted to whether Carrick deserves a permanent managerial role, opinions sharply divided into two clear camps.

Rooney admitted that "Manchester United has undergone a complete transformation" under Carrick’s leadership. Even Neville, who previously said "Carrick shouldn’t be made permanent even if undefeated," had to acknowledge "Michael deserves huge praise." Neville remains opposed, unlike Rooney, who supports Carrick receiving respect matching his achievements, insisting that Manchester United should appoint a new manager after this season. Scholes and Butt share Neville’s view, believing Carrick’s role is to finish this season and then leave gracefully in the summer.

Keane, who has consistently opposed Carrick, still rejects the idea of making him permanent despite the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal: "Manchester United needs a better, more decisive coach. Carrick’s goal at Middlesbrough was promotion, but he failed. My concerns about Carrick are the same as with his predecessor Amolin." Ferdinand, however, highly praised Carrick’s "New Manchester United" and strongly refuted Keane and Neville’s dissenting opinions, saying, "On what grounds can anyone say he doesn’t deserve the Manchester United job no matter what he achieves? Such disrespect is unbelievable and utter nonsense."

While British media praise Carrick, they generally remain cautious. The Guardian notes that the win over Manchester City involved some "luck" due to their injury crisis, and beating Arsenal also had the element of fatigue from their multi-competition schedule. For the rest of the season, only West Ham and Bournemouth have played fewer matches than Manchester United. The Red Devils have better squad depth and bench strength than their rivals, meaning they will be fitter and more energetic over the next four months.

The British media highlight the cautionary tale of Solskjaer’s tenure, a concern shared by Scholes and Butt. "If Solskjaer hadn’t coached Manchester United before, Carrick’s chances of becoming permanent would be higher." The "baby-faced assassin" took over at the end of 2018 and won five consecutive Premier League matches. By late March 2019, he had won 14 of 19 games and earned a three-year contract early. However, in the remaining 12 matches that season, he won only twice. Manchester United finished sixth in the Premier League, the same position as when Solskjaer took charge.

Carrick still has 16 Premier League matches to prove himself. Opponents argue there is no need for Manchester United to rush into a contract to please public cheers. But the Daily Mail voices another concern, suggesting the club’s leadership is determined not to repeat Solskjaer’s mistakes: "But if Carrick keeps winning, what can the directors do? Thank him for his excellent work and then hire another big-name coach?" Yet, as The Guardian points out, there has been no sign in the past 13 years that Manchester United’s leadership has the ability to accurately assess managerial quality.