Carrick's appointment was almost universally met with nodding approval. The club needed a familiar face; it needed someone who 'gets' the club and has United in their DNA. Having spent over a decade with the club, winning multiple trophies, the former midfielder fits that bill. 

It's a profile that every fan really wants in a manager. If you can't go out and get the absolute best - and United aren't in that position right now - get someone who identifies with the club and can get them back on track following a chaotic 18 months under Ruben Amorim. 

United right now is a club needing confidence, needing direction and in a young coach with connections to the club, Carrick feels like the right short-term move. 

"I think it’s the right decision, especially right now," Another former United midfielder, Kleberson, exclusively told DAZN News thanks to  BetVictor Online Casino.  

"Michael Carrick knows the club inside out - the culture, the environment, the expectations. He’s seen everything that’s happened behind the scenes over the last few years and understands the problems United are facing.

"When players see someone who has lived the club step forward as a leader, they listen more. They trust him. That’s why I believe Carrick can help guide United in the right direction for the rest of the season and start rebuilding confidence within the squad." 
 

The perfect start 

With the backing of fans and ex-players, the former Middlesbrough boss cleverly assembled a backroom staff to aid him in his Old Trafford return, bringing in his assistant at Boro, Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland, who enjoyed a great deal of success alongside Gareth Southgate for England. 

Together, the new coaching team got their tenure underway with the perfect start, blowing away a Manchester City side to win the derby and put on a statement that United may not be back, but things may finally be heading in an actual direction that fans can get on board with. 

Next up, then, is Arsenal. Top of the league with a seven-point cushion, having lost only twice all season. Battles between these go way back, and while many get misty-eyed thinking about Wenger, Ferguson and flying pizza, the two clubs are in vastly different positions, with vastly different ambitions in 2026. 

Yet, the Gunners have shown some vulnerability recently. They only managed to squeeze past Bournemouth, and have dropped points in two goalless draws in their last two Premier League outings.

United, meanwhile, head to North London on a high rarely felt in recent months, ready to take another scalp under their new boss. 

Carrick has form, too. During his brief stint as caretaker coach at the club in the aftermath of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's departure, his final match in charge was a 3-2 win over the Gunners, albeit a Mikel Arteta team far less superior to the one he'll face on Sunday. 

Yet, a positive result for the former England midfielder would surely make the calls for a permanent appointment stronger, even at this early stage. 

"For me, I'm looking at the long-term for him," United legend Clayton Blackmore already admits to DAZN News , courtesy of nfl odds.  

"I don't think United should go down the overseas route. The systems they play, I can feel there's a little bit of a change, watching some of the teams this season, there is a more of a move towards systems from when I played. 

"The whole idea is to make changes in the game. And we're, at the moment, we're not making enough. But Carrick can change that, and hopefully all goes well for him." James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Who else? 

A win over Arsenal would put Carrick in early contention, but there's still a lot of football to be played between now and the summer, and there are several other names who have been linked with the job. 

Oliver Glasner's decision to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the summer puts him firmly in the frame, as well as Andoni Iraola, who will also be out of contract this year. 

Gareth Southgate has also been mentioned, as well as Roberto De Zerbi. It's a big call and one the club needs to get right, especially if the current interim boss has a successful end to the 2025-26. 

Kleberson, though, has another name to put forward, who believes has the same kind of passion that would be appreciated at Old Trafford. 

"Here’s one manager I would really love to see at Manchester United - Luis Enrique," the Brazilian said. 

"When you watch his teams, the connection between him and his players is incredible. The players don’t just play for the club, they play for him. He has passion, intensity, and a clear identity. He demands commitment, and the players respond to that. That’s exactly what Manchester United need right now." 

Whoever the new man will be, it's something that won't be clear until the summer. Until then, Michael Carrick is in the perfect position for to prove he's the man full time - and it starts with trying to stop the Premier League leaders. 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada on DAZN

DAZN is the home of soccer in Canada, with the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Carabao Cup, National League, Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Juliper Pro League, Saudi Pro League, Frauen Bundesliga, USL Super League, and Sports Direct Women's Premiership, club friendlies, and international friendlies are all available for Canadian fans.

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