Premier League 2025-26: Carrick sees ‘lot more to do’ to earn job at Man United

Michael Carrick believes judgment on his tenure as Manchester United manager will have to wait until the end of the season, despite growing calls for a longer-term contract for the former midfielder.

Carrick has won all four games since taking charge last month to propel United into the top four of the Premier League.

As it stands, the 44-year-old alone will take charge for the rest of the season.

But his transformation of the Red Devils’ fortunes has left Carrick bombarded with questions over his chances of landing the job on a more permanent basis.

Carrick’s side travel to struggling West Ham United on Tuesday with the chance to rise to third place for at least 24 hours before Aston Villa take on Brighton.

“It’s not about judging how good or successful (we are) at the moment because nothing has really happened yet,” Carrick said.

“We hopefully have a lot more to do between now and the end of the season and see what happens after that.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes said after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham that Carrick would be a «great manager».

The move to the back four and the reintroduction of Kobbie Mainoo into midfield are the two main changes Carrick has made after Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated fourteen months in charge.

But the formation change has also pushed Fernandes into a more advanced role in midfield, where he is flourishing.

“I understand how much he is a very intelligent footballer. Lihat juga pdf view. He is smart, he cares a lot about this club, so in that aspect we all want the same,” Carrick said of the Portugal international.

«It’s of course nice when players you respect – like I do a lot with Bruno – say good things about you, but in the end it’s about the team, getting the best out of the team and actually it’s all working together.»

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A win at the London Stadium could also bring some relief to a United fan who has been waiting almost 500 days to get his hair cut.

Frank Ilett has amassed more than two million social media followers since vowing in October 2024 to grow his hair until United make it five wins in a row.

«I can say I’m aware of it,» Carrick said. “My children have certainly made me aware of it, but it will certainly not be included in team discussions at a professional level.

“I understand what’s going on and it makes me smile, but ultimately it won’t have an impact.”

Published on February 9, 2026