Michael Carrick “ideal” for Manchester United right now, not forever

The debate rages on whether or not Michael Carrick deserves to be the permanent manager at Manchester United after turning the club around in the second half of the season. Premier League legend Jamie Carragher says he’s ideal, but may not be the best option.

Carrick won’t be feared, says United

The case Carrick has made since taking control on the touchline at Old Trafford has been convincing to say the least. He was appointed interim manager after United crashed out of the FA Cup in January. Since then he has won 9, drawn 2 and lost 2, and propelled the Red Devils up the standings.

They can secure themselves a spot in next year’s Champions League with a win over Liverpool this weekend, something that is sure to help Carrick’s candidacy for being named permanent manager. Carragher has the juxtaposition of thinking Carrick is the ideal man for the club, but maybe not the best option for turning United into the powerhouse they once were.

In his column in The Telegraph, Carragher stated, “None of the other European giants would have Carrick on their shortlists for the manager’s job, and even United’s supporters will be doubtful they have finally found the natural successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.”

No better option than Carrick?

While other clubs may not tremble at a United side with Carrick on the touchline, the former Liverpool captain does see his former rival as the right choice for now, and the short term. “But as the United board considers its options, Carrick is the ideal choice to assume full control this summer because of what the club needs right here, right now. It makes sense in the short term with an eye on the long term,” said Carragher.

The environment at the club has changed and that is largely because of the work and the stability that Carrick has brought to the dressing room since taking over after the firing of Ruben Amorim. “He has created an environment where players enjoy their training – and match days – and have a good relationship with the manager and his staff,” wrote Carragher.

The CBS Golazo pundit claimed that there should be no rush in the club to make a change given the current state of the coaching market this summer. “If, suddenly, Luis Enrique were to announce that his dream is to come to the Premier League and United could get him right now, fair enough.”

While Carrick has turned this team into a competitive squad that has beaten the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, Carragher thinks it’s awfully ambitious to think turning the interim manager into the permanent manager is going to turn this side into a serious contender next year. “You can list all the top-class managers in the world, past and present, and none of them would look at the current United squad and believe they are a couple of steps from adding to their 20 league titles or conquering Europe.”

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