He might only be ‘interim’ manager though Manchester United probably could do a lot worse than hiring Michael Carrick in a permanent capacity. The club’s 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford could and probably should have been by a much bigger margin.
Even Pep Guardiola admitted that the best team won. Certainly, the scoreline flatters to deceive. The fact is that United completely dominated and played some of the best football they have played arguably since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson whose ear-to-ear grin sat in the stands said it all.
It really was like watching the team under ‘Fergie’; fast on the counter-attack, free-flowing and defensively solid with plenty of chances created. Even Carrick’s starting lineup resembled something like his former boss’s and mentor’s.
A 4-2-3-1, though with actual wide players who contributed defensively, while utilising Bryan Mbuemo as a striker (his best position), was glaringly simple, yet effective.
Bruno Fernandes was restored to his natural number 10 role as the playmaker and United flourished.
Does Carrick Have The Right Type Of Players?
One thing you can’t argue with is the size of United’s squad and its capability. Under Ruben Amorim there appeared to be too much over-thinking; essentially he wasn’t acquainted with the fast, aggressive style of the Premier League and there was clearly no buy-in of what he wanted to implement.
Each of Carrick’s substitutions were round pegs in round holes as well. Mason Mount is a number 10 and proved to be the perfect replacement for Fernandes, almost making an impact when he came on.
Matheus Cunha is a striker. If he is going to play 4-4-2 do that and play him and Mbuemo together, if he plays 4-2-3-1, have a striker and a 10; none of this ‘mix and match’ malarkey. Too many managers have tried it at United over the years since Fergie departed and it simply hasn’t worked.
Casemiro to leave Manchester United in summer, Chelsea want Douglas Luiz
— Unofficial Guardian (UK) Bot (@guardian-uk-rss.bsky.social) 22 January 2026 at 19:10
With Casemiro, who started against City, understood to be leaving at the end of the season, should Carrick be offered the role permanently, a replacement will be needed. Arguably an upgrade at centre-back and actual wingers/inside forwards if he sticks with this system.
Balance Key For United Under Carrick
One good thing about Carrick is that he knows what it takes to be successful at the club and he will no doubt be implementing the same regime that Fergie implemented. Hard work is key but also, so is getting the right amount of rest. Granted he won’t be insisting every player orders a queen size mattress to sleep on or anything. He will go back to basics; something that has probably been missing for a long time.
United still have a good chance of finishing in the top four and Carrick will likely be essential to making that happen.
Based on the game against City, it would probably be fair to say that the United identity returned as though it had been there all along hiding in plain sight. Carrick on a permanent basis?