Michael Carrick could not have dreamed up a better start to his life as Manchester United interim head coach.
Stepping in to replace Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick knew his task at Manchester United was to pursue Champions League qualification.
But his start as head coach literally could not have been any tougher. In the space of a week, he has beaten Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal on their own turf.
After wins vs City and Arsenal… should Michael Carrick get the Man Utd permanent job?
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After the 3-2 win over Arsenal, Harry Maguire praised Carrick’s impact since his appointment.
Ineos insist his stay is only temporary and that a permanent appointment will be made in the summer, but Carrick is making that decision extremely difficult so far.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesMichael Carrick’s Man United questionnaire results
As a player, Carrick often flew under the radar, and his impact wasn’t fully appreciated until he hung up his boots and retired.
As a head coach, he has similar traits. Journalist Henry Winter piled praise onto Carrick for his start at United, and he pointed out the results of a character questionnaire completed by the 44-year-old.
Via X, Winter wrote: “When Michael Carrick was coming to the end of his playing career at Manchester United, and considering coaching, the club gave him a questionnaire to fill in which would reveal his true character.
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It’s been a perfect start for Michael Carrick, will it continue? Which games are you worried about?
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“It concluded that “Michael is a helpful, patient, stable person who works steadily and consistently. Even-tempered, he communicates, coaches, and teaches in a patient, detailed, non-threatening way.
“He prefers having, and following, a well thought-out process to ensure success. If Michael is responsible for establishing the process, he will do so in a thoughtful, methodical manner, paying close attention to details and time-honoured successes.”
Ineos might have struck gold in Michael Carrick
Ultimately, Ruben Amorim was sacked because he lashed out at Jason Wilcox and the United hierarchy during his final weekend in charge of the Red Devils.
While Amorim was a brilliant communicator, his comments in the media often brought unnecessary attention.
If Ineos want to go down the opposite route, then Carrick is the man. He goes about his business quietly but with a sense of calm, composure and confidence in everything he does.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick just executed the exact Wayne Rooney prophecy that Arsenal fans called ‘deluded’
Even when Arsenal had equalised late on at The Emirates, Carrick stood as a calming presence for his players on the touchline. United went on to score the winner just minutes later.
Ineos are looking to build a long-term project at United, and Carrick is a project manager. His questionnaire results prove it. He follows a process and sticks to his plan, and that could serve him well when it comes to hiring a permanent head coach in the summer.
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