Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, has questioned Manchester United manager Michael Carrick’s ability to lead the club to major honours, describing him as an “interim solution” despite his impressive results since taking charge.
Carrick was given the permanent managerial position after a successful interim spell in which he guided Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured Champions League qualification.
However, Carragher believes doubts remain over whether the former United midfielder has the credentials to deliver sustained success at Old Trafford.
Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, Carragher said, “To most, it feels like Carrick remains an interim solution in all but name, entrusted with the keys to Old Trafford until a super coach can move in during the summer of 2027. Carrick will not see it that way, of course, but there are certain perceptions which will be tough to shake off.”
The former England international also questioned Carrick’s ability to win the biggest trophies, although he acknowledged that his results have been impressive so far.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Carragher said, “I don’t think Manchester United will win a league title or a Champions League with Michael Carrick. I’ve said that openly, but I think it’s right that he’s got the job right now. His results are fantastic.”
He added, “But I think the managers who win the biggest trophies, they’ve got an X-factor of stardust – Michael Carrick’s still got to prove that he’s got that.”
Manchester United have backed Carrick in the transfer market, spending £140m on Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos during the summer window.
Despite the investment, United have made an inconsistent start to the Premier League season, with one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three matches, including a 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City.
Carragher further argued that Carrick and former interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would not have been considered by other elite clubs based solely on their coaching records.
He wrote, “That cannot change the fact that based on their coaching CVs alone, they would never have been approached by another elite club in England or Europe, nor would others have had any sentimental attachment to consider when determining the merits of offering a permanent deal.”
Carrick now faces a major test as Manchester United prepare to host rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, following their 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah FC.
