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David Beckham has praised the "incredible" influence Michael Carrick has had at Manchester United, offering a contrasting view to former teammate Paul Scholes, who has been openly critical of the interim boss.
Carrick, appointed only through the end of the current season, has dramatically turned around Man Utd's fortunes, winning seven of his 10 games at the helm to shoot the Red Devils up the Premier League standings. Having appeared doomed under Ruben Amorim, they now sit third and are on course to secure a spot in next season's Champions League.
Beckham has mirrored the widespread enthusiasm among United fans by heaping praise on his former England colleague, arguing he is precisely what the club required during a period of upheaval both on and off the pitch.
"I have to say the last few months have been far more comfortable than the previous ten years, if I'm being honest. It's been a difficult stretch," Beckham told talkSPORT. "But I think Michael brings experience. I think there's a composure about him that he's introduced to the club.
"He understands the club. He understands the players. He understands how Man Utd play and how Man Utd should play."
Beckham continued: "I think the way he's united the squad and brought everyone together has been incredible. As a United supporter, it's exactly what we were crying out for."
Scholes Unconvinced By Carrick Despite Apology
Fellow United legend and Beckham's former clubmate Scholes remains far less persuaded by Carrick's tenure—to say the least. The 51-year-old publicly blasted the interim coach on social media, sharing an Instagram story—which he quickly removed—that questioned United's displays.
"Michael has definitely got something special about him... cos Utd have been crap last 4 games," Scholes wrote on Instagram shortly after United's loss to 10-man Newcastle earlier this month.
Scholes subsequently revealed he had reached out to apologize to Carrick for the post, with United having since defeated Aston Villa and drawn with Bournemouth to revive their Champions League qualification push.
Scholes is not the only former United great to take a swipe at Carrick. Outspoken pundit Roy Keane has also been vocal in his criticism of the United manager, stating he would not hand him the permanent role this summer despite the improvement in performances and results.
"In terms of the games he's overseen and winning matches, he's done a really solid job. He's clearly simplified things, but there hasn't been much pressure in those fixtures," Keane said in mid-March.
"They've had three weeks to prepare for the games. The timing has worked in his favor, and he's done a very good job. I'll give him full credit for that, and if he does land the job permanently in the summer I'll say, 'Good luck to you,' but I believe there are considerably better candidates out there for the next Manchester United manager."