13 Feb 2026 12:54:29
I was down the local pub recently chatting with a few Middlesbrough fans who had come over for a pint, and naturally the conversation turned to Michael Carrick — which feels even more relevant now that he’s back at Manchester United as head coach until the end of the season.
What stood out was how respectful they were about him. Every one of them said Carrick is a top professional and a genuinely good football man. Players like him, trust him, and buy into what he wants to do. But they also shared a concern that might now become the big talking point at United — adaptability.
Their view was that when Carrick’s system works, it works really well. His teams can look organised, calm in possession, and tactically clear. The problem comes when games drift away. They felt he can be slow to change things, sometimes sticking with Plan A a little too long and hesitating with substitutions when momentum shifts.
Now that he’s in charge at United, that learning curve becomes much steeper. Managing Middlesbrough is pressure — managing United is scrutiny every three days. Having a philosophy is important, but at the top level you also need Plan B and sometimes Plan C when matches turn chaotic.
What makes this appointment interesting is that Carrick understands the club better than most. He knows the expectations, the dressing room, and what supporters want to see. The question isn’t whether he understands football — nobody doubts that — it’s whether he can evolve quickly enough in-game to handle elite-level pressure.
These next few months almost feel like an audition. If he shows flexibility and growth, he gives the club a real decision to make in the summer. If not, he may still be remembered as the steady hand who helped reset things and rolled back the years of proper MUFC Football
GGMU.
13 Feb 2026 17:50:14
Good post. Nice to hear their perspective. I don't care who they select really. I have a couple of names i'd rather it not be but there is no stand out candidate for me at the moment.
I like the kind of crazy the likes of simione or di zerbi would bring but they have negatives also.
Im up for any suggestion really.
{Ed025's Note - Sean Dyche?..
13 Feb 2026 18:31:25
He is one of the couple of names ed025 I know your still different from some PTSD from his time start Everton but steady on.
Im not sure Jim would go for a ginge anyway?.
{Ed025's Note - i think those two would just about deserve each other Ken.. :)
13 Feb 2026 19:30:44
Its a bit unusual for me to be so indifferent at this stage. I think when it comes down to a few definite candidates ill choose who would be my preference from that bunch.