Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League has intensified talk around Michael Carrick being handed the job on a permanent basis. The caretaker boss has overseen a sharp turnaround, and the latest win over Liverpool has only strengthened his case.
United confirmed their Champions League qualification with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford. Speaking after the match, Carrick reflected on the turnaround since taking charge in January.
“It’s been a good run. We’ve beaten some very, very good teams and it’s been challenging. Sometimes we’ve won it in some ways, sometimes we’ve won it in other ways. I love doing what I’m doing. It’s a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural if I’m totally honest,” Carrick said.
“I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role, but it feels like I’ve been here a long time, in different times on and off, but I can understand what it brings and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in. We will just have to wait and see. When we came in, the Champions League was a little bit in the distance so to be where we are, with three games to spare, is a good achievement,” he added.
The result capped a strong run under Carrick, who has now won 10 of his 14 matches in charge, guiding United into the top five with games to spare after a difficult first half of the season.
WILL CARRICK BE MAN UNITED PERMANENT MANAGER?
Carrick’s numbers make a strong case.
Since taking over in January, the 44-year-old has overseen a clear turnaround, with United climbing into third place with 64 points from 35 matches. More importantly, he has delivered Champions League qualification, something that looked unlikely when he first stepped in.
Beyond results, there has been a visible shift in how United have approached games. They have found ways to win in different situations, something Carrick himself pointed to.
However, the decision is far from straightforward. A Champions League return brings added pressure, more fixtures, and the need for greater squad depth. United’s hierarchy will have to decide whether Carrick is the long-term answer or if they look for a more experienced name to lead them into that next phase.
For now, Carrick’s stance remains measured, but his impact is difficult to ignore.
HOW MANCHESTER UNITED DEFEATED LIVERPOOL
The match itself reflected United’s season under Carrick, controlled at times, chaotic at others, but ultimately effective.
United started strongly, racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Benjamin Sesko doubled the advantage soon after.
Liverpool responded quickly in the second half. Dominik Szoboszlai pulled one back in the 47th minute, and Cody Gakpo equalised nine minutes later as United briefly lost control.
But just as the momentum seemed to swing, Kobbie Mainoo stepped up. His 77th-minute strike from the edge of the box restored United’s lead and proved decisive.
The win not only sealed Champions League qualification but also underlined the turnaround under Carrick, with United now looking ahead to a return to Europe’s biggest stage.
