Michael Carrick says he feels “natural” in the high-pressure role of Manchester United manager after guiding the Red Devils back into the UEFA Champions League.
United secured a top-five finish in the Premier League with three games to spare following a 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
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Returning to Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three seasons was Carrick’s primary objective after taking charge in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
“I love doing what I’m doing, and it’s a great position for me to be in,” Carrick said.
“It feels pretty natural, if I’m totally honest. I’m not being blasé because it’s a difficult role, but it feels like I’ve been here a long time. I understand what it brings.”
Carrick, who previously worked as part of United’s coaching staff and had a brief interim spell in 2021, had only managed Middlesbrough before returning to Old Trafford.
His success has made him the frontrunner for the permanent role, although United have also been linked with Andoni Iraola and Julian Nagelsmann.
The financial boost from Champions League qualification is expected to strengthen United’s position in the transfer market. Still, Carrick insists the club must aim higher after more than a decade without a league title.
“When we came in, the Champions League was a bit in the distance,” he added. “To be where we are with three games to go brings satisfaction, but that can’t be everything.”
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