The future of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford is heating up, with Manchester United reportedly under intense pressure to officially name him as the permanent manager.
This situation arises due to serious interest from Tottenham, who are urgently searching for a new manager after dismissing Thomas Frank. If the Red Devils’ leadership does not finalize their plan soon, they risk chaos next season. Other high-profile coaches may not accept the MU role, and Carrick moving to Tottenham would be disastrous for Old Trafford’s club.
Carrick, aged 44, was given the responsibility to lead Manchester United until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim’s contract was terminated last month. Although only a temporary solution, positive initial signs and his deep knowledge of the club quickly earned the former English midfielder support from a segment of fans.
However, according to talkSPORT, Tottenham have closely monitored Carrick’s situation since they began considering Thomas Frank’s future. The North London club views Carrick as a potential candidate and is ready to act if Manchester United does not provide a clear long-term commitment to the coach.
This is the factor putting Manchester United’s leadership in a difficult position. Hesitation could result in losing Carrick to a direct Premier League rival. With Tottenham aiming to stabilize their coaching staff before the North London derby against Arsenal on February 22, decisions are likely to be accelerated.
Carrick is no stranger to Spurs. During his playing career, he made 75 appearances for Tottenham and assisted in 13 goals. However, his peak years were at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles and one Champions League. This impressive record earns Carrick high regard for his experience and understanding of top-level football environments.
After leaving Middlesbrough, Carrick was a free agent before getting an opportunity at Manchester United. His inclusion on Tottenham’s shortlist before replacing Amorim further indicates Spurs’ genuine interest.
Besides Carrick, Tottenham have also been linked with Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi. However, Carrick holds a unique advantage with his Premier League experience and understanding of the demands at a major club.
For Manchester United, the upcoming decision is not only about personnel but also directly concerns the club’s long-term direction. Whether to retain Carrick or take a risk with a more experienced name is a dilemma the leadership must carefully consider. In this competition, Tottenham is ready to play the role of challenger.