MANCHESTER, UK — Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has a secret ingredient, and it’s not just tactical. Winger Amad has lifted the lid on the “Carrick effect,” revealing the simple but powerful message the interim head coach delivers to the players before every kickoff.
Since taking over from Ruben Amorim at the turn of the year, Carrick has led the Red Devils to an unbeaten five-match run, including statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. According to Amad, the secret lies in reconnecting the players with the Old Trafford faithful.
Playing for the Fans
Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Amad explained that Carrick’s deep history with the club is what sets him apart.
“He’s the main man who can tell us about the club we are playing for,” Amad said. “Before the games, he keeps telling us: ‘You are playing for yourself, but you are playing also for the fans.’ He tells us the fans are vital and we want to give them something back.”
The Managerial Race Heat Up
While the mood at Carrington is at an all-time high, the question of a permanent successor remains the talk of Manchester. Despite Carrick’s popularity, the board is still evaluating long-term options for the summer:
- Oliver Glasner: A top candidate after confirming his exit from Crystal Palace.
- Thomas Tuchel: Now effectively out of the race after signing an England contract extension through to Euro 2028.
- The World Cup Factor: Links to Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) and Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) persist, but the 2026 World Cup this summer makes a deal extremely complex.
A Player’s Manager
Amad, who first worked with Carrick as a teenager, believes the interim boss’s personal touch is the key. “He talks with everyone; he’s a nice guy. We are enjoying the training and we feel lucky to have him.”
As United continue their march toward Champions League qualification, the debate is shifting: Is the best man for the job already in the dugout?
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
