Michael Carrick’s unbeaten six-game streak has ignited a fierce debate at Old Trafford: is he the long-term solution or just another “Solskjaer-style” temporary fix?
Despite United’s resurgence and their push for a Champions League spot following the win over Everton, club legends and pundits are urging INEOS to remain cautious. The “harsh truth” lingering over the stadium is that while Carrick is using the same squad that struggled under Ruben Amorim, the shadow of past failures with former players looms large.
The “Ole Warning” from Gus Poyet
Speaking exclusively to BetWright, former Premier League manager Gus Poyet warned that early success can be deceptive. Poyet draws a direct parallel to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era:
“Ole was similar; everybody said he would be here for 10 years, and then he was not. It’s early, but what Carrick has done so far with the same players as Amorim is going well. We need to see how the season finishes.”
Gary Neville’s “Best in Class” Demand
While fans are dreaming of a Carrick dynasty, Gary Neville remains adamant that Manchester United cannot afford another “gamble” on an inexperienced manager. Neville argues that the club must pursue a proven, elite coach to minimize risk regardless of Carrick’s current form.
The Managerial Shortlist (Summer 2026):
| Candidate | Status | Fit for United |
| Michael Carrick | Interim (Current) | High (Club DNA) |
| Roberto De Zerbi | Available | High (Tactical Innovation) |
| Oliver Glasner | Leaving Palace in Summer | Medium (Solid System) |
| Thomas Tuchel | Committed to England | Unlikely (New Contract) |
The Condition for the Permanent Job
The consensus among experts is clear: For Michael Carrick to break the “interim curse,” he must do more than just stabilize the ship.
- Champions League Qualification: This is the non-negotiable floor.
- Tactical Identity: Showing he has a “Plan B” that Amorim lacked.
- Support from the Dressing Room: Maintaining the current harmony that has seen Benjamin Sesko thrive.
As Neville points out, the pool of “elite” managers is shrinking, especially with Tuchel staying with England. If Carrick delivers a Top 4 finish, the “fever” to appoint him permanently might become impossible for the board to ignore.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
