Manchester United manager Michael Carrick signed off the season in style with a 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. The Englishman’s arrival in January, initially as caretaker manager to replace Ruben Amorim, turned out to be a turning point in the Red Devils’ season.
Carrick had an instant impact, registering four wins on the trot and kickstarting a run that saw the English giants win 12 and draw three in 17 games. The former midfielder did not just steady a misfiring squad; he guided them to a third-place finish, and ensured that the Champions League will return to Old Trafford next season.
United picked up the most points in the Premier League since the Englishman’s arrival, scoring goals for fun and dominating games. Carrick’s efforts ultimately earned him the prize he craved, with INEOS handing him the permanent position last week.
MIchael Carrick Managerial Career Stats
| Team | From | To | Games Played | Games Won | Games Drawn | Games Lost | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United (caretaker) | 21 November 2021 | 2 December 2021 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.7 |
| Middlesbrough | 24 October 2022 | 4 June 2025 | 136 | 63 | 24 | 49 | 46.3 |
| Manchester United | 13 January 2026 | present | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 70.6 |
| Total | 156 | 77 | 28 | 51 | 49.4 |
Source: Wikipedia.
A recent report has now outlined the secret behind the Red Devils’ rise under the English manager.
Carrick relied on clear communication at United
According to The Athletic, Carrick established a very clear line of communication early in his caretaker reign. The report states: “In his early days back at Manchester United in January, Michael Carrick asked his players a question: what would they consider their best position — and why?”
“Carrick had already ranked, on a scale of one to three, the best roles he saw for each member of his squad, but he wanted to hear what those taking to the pitch believed themselves.”
“He talked things through with his players in individual meetings and drew conclusions, before making his decisions on selections. People familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, like others consulted for this article, say he had his own mind, but felt getting his players’ perspective was valuable.”
“That collaboration was perhaps heightened by the immediate need to understand the squad he’d inherited, given his appointment midway through a campaign, but it does speak to his general approach.”
Carrick’s approach made him different to Amorim
The report went on to add that Carrick’s strong communication skills have endeared him to United players, stating: “Certainly, his communication is why he has such strong support from within the dressing room over his status as United’s head coach.”
“It is in contrast to predecessor Ruben Amorim, who cut a more removed figure. Amorim felt detachment was required to instil discipline amid a turbulent period, but for several players it provoked confusion.”
The report, however, pointed out that the Englishman will have to take a balanced approach to management following his permanent appointment, adding: “In moving from an interim to a permanent appointment, which was confirmed on Friday, the dynamic will shift for Carrick, and people who understand United believe blending strength with soft skills is a balance he will need to strike.”
Final Thoughts
United have not had much luck with managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, while they have also been let down by some poor recruitment in the past. INEOS got their transfer business correct last summer, and must repeat the trick this year to provide Carrick with the right platform to succeed.
Since Michael Carrick was appointed, Manchester United have picked up more points (39) than any other Premier League team.
What a turnaround. 👏 pic.twitter.com/oeDg208uPG
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 24, 2026
Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Images
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