Carrick calls for patience amid calls for permanent United role

Michael Carrick has played down calls for a permanent contract, insisting that his time as Manchester United manager should only be judged at the end of the season.

The former United midfielder has made a strong early impression since being appointed interim boss, prompting growing calls for the club’s hierarchy to hand him a longer-term deal.

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Carrick has won all four matches since taking charge last month, a run that has propelled Manchester United into the Premier League’s top four. As it stands, however, the 44-year-old is set to remain in charge only until the end of the season.

“It’s not about judging how good or successful we are at this moment in time, because nothing has really happened yet,” Carrick said.
“We’ve hopefully got a lot more to do between now and the end of the season, and we’ll see what happens after that.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes added to the growing praise after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham, describing Carrick as a “great manager”.

Tactically, Carrick has overseen notable changes, including a switch to a back four and the reintroduction of Kobbie Mainoo into midfield following Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated 14-month spell in charge. The adjustments have also seen Fernandes deployed in a more advanced midfield role, where he has flourished.

“I understand how intelligent a footballer he is,” Carrick said of Fernandes. “He’s bright; he cares a lot about this club, and in that sense, we all want the same thing.

“It’s obviously nice when players you respect speak positively about you, but ultimately it’s about the team, getting the best out of the team and working together.”