Manchester United’s decision to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager has triggered an immediate and stunning transformation at Old Trafford. In just three Premier League matches, the former United midfielder has achieved what took Ruben Amorim over a year to master: a three-game winning streak.
Taking the reins in January following Amorim’s departure, Carrick has revitalized a squad that appeared tactically stifled. By implementing a more direct, high-tempo style, Carrick secured back-to-back statement wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, before a dramatic late winner against Fulham sealed a perfect nine-point haul.
Breaking the “Amorim Ceiling”
The statistics emerging from Old Trafford are hard to ignore. Despite Ruben Amorim’s 14-month tenure, the Portuguese tactician managed to secure three consecutive Premier League wins only once during his 50-game stay. Carrick, conversely, has matched that milestone in his first three games in charge.
“The Carrick effect has restored a level of confidence we haven’t seen in this squad for years,” noted analysts following the Fulham victory. “The tactical clarity is night and day compared to the previous regime.”
Michael Carrick has already matched Ruben Amorim’s longest winning run as Man United manager in his first three games in charge 😮💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/xHtWKjFjGG
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 1, 2026
The Sesko Factor and the UCL Race
At the heart of this resurgence is Benjamin Sesko. The striker has flourished under Carrick’s direct system, becoming the focal point of the attack and scoring the crucial winner against Fulham.
This run of form has catapulted United from mid-table obscurity back into the Champions League conversation. The atmosphere at Carrington has reportedly shifted from “tense” to “electric,” with the players fully buying into Carrick’s simplified but effective training methods.
Interim or Permanent?
The Manchester United board now faces a massive dilemma. While the search for a permanent successor was underway, Carrick’s unbeaten record—extending back to his brief stint in 2021—is making it increasingly difficult to look elsewhere.
With investigative reports from ESPN and The Independent confirming the squad’s preference for the “internal solution,” the next few weeks will determine if Carrick is a mere placeholder or the long-term answer to United’s prayers.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
