It's time for Manchester United to decide: Keep Carrick or find someone else?

24 days without football is a very long period for Manchester United fans. However, it will be sufficient for the club's leadership to consider plans for the next season, including the decision on whether to retain Michael Carrick after this season.

This unusually long break is a consequence of Manchester United's early exit from the FA Cup combined with the time allocated for national teams during the March FIFA Days. Manchester United's most recent match was the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on March 20.

Arguments supporting Carrick

There are less than two months left until this season concludes. Manchester United needs to promptly answer the question: Is Carrick the right manager for Old Trafford? They could convert the 44-year-old interim manager into a permanent head coach with a long-term contract. Alternatively, Manchester United could wait for the post-World Cup managerial market to select a more renowned name.

Factors supporting Carrick's retention are not few. Firstly, appointing a manager who understands Manchester United like him would bring stability for progress. Since the 44-year-old took charge, Manchester United has earned 23 points from 10 matches. From 7th place before Carrick's appointment, the Red Devils of Manchester are firmly in 3rd position and very close to securing a Champions League spot for next season. Carrick does not yet have the stature of a top-tier manager, but Manchester United's results and performances are convincing everyone. He experienced Manchester United's golden era as a player, winning five Premier League titles. Carrick knows how to select players in positions where they can maximize their abilities. The task of returning Manchester United to the Champions League is financially crucial for a club with such tradition and achievements. A positive for Carrick is that Manchester United not having to expend energy in continental competitions allows players more rest and training time for self-improvement.

Carrick is not a manager with a strong, forceful personality, but he is not merely a "Nice Guy" on the coaching bench either. The 44-year-old manager has support from quality assistants. That includes the defensive duo Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate along with Steve Holland, who was Gareth Southgate's right-hand man for the England national team. This helps Manchester United address the issue of frequently dropping points against lesser opponents. It's not difficult to point out the notable successes of Carrick's tenure so far. They come from the attacking efficiency with new signings like Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha. Bruno Fernandes has been revitalized in his familiar number 10 role, where he can provide goals and assists. Then there's Harry Maguire reaching high form upon returning to a starting center-back position. Maguire attributes his resurgence to Carrick's tactical shift to a four-man defense.

Still not the perfect choice

If one needs to point out the opportunity for Carrick to transition from interim to permanent status, recall the case of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian manager was interim at Old Trafford from late 2018, and by March 2019 he officially led Manchester United with a three-year contract due to winning 14 out of 19 matches as interim. Coincidentally, Carrick was among Solskjaer's assistants.

However, doubts about Carrick's long-term capability persist. They lie in the fact that the 44-year-old manager has not established a reputation as a manager suited for top clubs. Carrick's coaching CV only has positive points from his time managing Middlesbrough in the English Championship. He lifted Middlesbrough from 21st place to contending for Premier League promotion in the 2022-23 season. The following season, Carrick guided Middlesbrough to the League Cup semifinals. But by Summer 2025, he was dismissed by Middlesbrough after failing to bring the club back to the Premier League. Carrick's impressive start at Manchester United does not guarantee he is the one to end the managerial crisis. The Red Devils have witnessed too many "false dawns" from Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer to Erik ten Hag.

Even if Carrick secures Champions League qualification for Manchester United, he would need to rebuild the squad with new signings. Casemiro will depart, forcing Manchester United to reconstruct the midfield. New signings like Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton, or Sandro Tonali are being mentioned. Then there's the need to bolster the defense, specifically a quality full-back and possibly another center-back regardless of Harry Maguire's impending contract extension.