Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, has questioned whether Manchester United manager, Michael Carrick has what it takes to guide the club to Premier League or Champions League glory.
Carrick has brought greater stability to Old Trafford since taking charge, helping to ease the turmoil that had surrounded the club.
However, Carragher believes United may eventually need a more accomplished manager to compete for the biggest honours.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher acknowledged the positive impact Carrick has had but questioned whether he possesses the qualities needed to overcome elite managers such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
“I’m not saying it’s going to go wrong. What Manchester United have had for the last six months, need that for another 12 months of not being the circus, not being the story all the time, and Carrick brings you that.
“But has he got that stardust to win the biggest trophy? And I think you need to get to a strong position of being a proper Champions League club again.
“A player gets you to a certain level, then we need that stardust. I personally just don’t think Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League.”
Carragher believes Carrick’s immediate responsibility should be to restore United as a regular Champions League club before the club considers whether to retain him or appoint a manager with a proven record of winning major trophies.
“I don’t believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he’s done a really good job. He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager.”
The former Liverpool defender also praised Carrick for creating a calmer environment at United and stressed the importance of securing another Champions League qualification.
“With Carrick… there’s no circus around United. It feels very calm. He came in, calmed everything down, got Champions League football. The aim for Manchester United next season is to make sure they’re in the Champions League again.”
Carragher added that another successful season would give the club the opportunity to decide whether Carrick should remain in charge or whether a more established manager should take over.
“If United could get Champions League football again, that still doesn’t necessarily mean Michael Carrick should stay. But you want to be in a position… to maybe keep Carrick – if he’s done another good job – or you go and get that Champions League-winning manager, or that manager you think can take you to the next level. You need another season of Champions League football again.”
Carrick’s former Manchester United midfield colleague Paul Scholes offered a similar assessment, describing him as potentially a transitional figure who can restore stability before a bigger managerial appointment.
“You’re almost saying he’s the man before the man – the man to settle everything down before that man,” Scholes noted.
“But he is capable. Carrick’s a very determined character, he’s quiet, relaxed, as we said. He’s calmed the circus down.”
For now, United’s priority is to build on the stability Carrick has brought and secure another place in the Champions League, which could ultimately determine his long-term future at Old Trafford.
