Gary Neville's Brutal Michael Carrick Analysis Reveals Manchester United's Deep-Rooted Problems
Gary Neville resisted being swept up in the euphoria surrounding Manchester United's well-earned 3–2 triumph over Arsenal on Sunday, arguing instead that the club should pursue a manager in the caliber of Carlo Ancelotti or Thomas Tuchel—two vastly contrasting options—to replace Michael Carrick when the season concludes. His former United teammates didn't all share this view.
United's metamorphosis under Carrick has been remarkable. These are the identical players who were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town, suffered a home defeat to a struggling Everton squad, and couldn't secure wins against relegation candidates Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley. However, within just eight days, they've dominated the two main challengers for this season's Premier League crown.
The unpredictable nature of a new manager's initial impact has affected United previously. Ole Gunnar Solskjær notably secured eight consecutive victories as interim manager after dispelling the poisonous atmosphere José Mourinho had created. The former forward guided United past Arsenal and Chelsea before eliminating Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League in spectacular fashion. Shortly after, he received a three-year permanent contract.
Following an impressive 74% success rate across his 19-game caretaker period, Solskjær managed just over half of his subsequent 149 matches (52%) before his permanent appointment ended belatedly without any silverware.
Continuing the pattern of a club tormented by its history, Neville cautioned against repeating past mistakes. "Manchester United have made emotional decisions repeatedly over the past 12 years," the Sky Sports analyst reflected this weekend. "I genuinely couldn't be more pleased with these last two weeks. The familiarity in what I'm witnessing feels like watching my team perform correctly again.
"They competed properly, with passion. I believe Carrick should retain the position until season's end, then pass responsibility to someone like Tuchel or Ancelotti, a manager of that elite standard."
Tuchel and Ancelotti possess certain similarities—both have Premier League experience (separated by a decade), can claim Champions League success, and might both be free after managing international teams at this summer's World Cup. However, their stark contrasts reveal the confused approach regarding United's selection process.
Ancelotti, Real Madrid's respected star manager, once reflected: "There are two categories of coaches: those who remain passive and those who cause significant harm. I attempt to belong to the former. Football belongs to the players, and while you can provide strategic guidance, the crucial elements are their talent and dedication."
Tuchel clearly fits the latter group, though he would contend that his tactical guidance inflicts more harm on opponents than his own squad.
United's problem is they've experimented with virtually every managerial style throughout the post-Sir Alex Ferguson period, yet none has sparked a championship challenge. Neville seems determined to find a proven champion, whether that's an inspirational leader or meticulous strategist. Roy Keane is satisfied with anyone except Michael Carrick.
Roy Keane: Anyone Can Win Two Games
Roy Keane: Anyone Can Win Two Games
Keane has remained skeptical of Carrick's appointment from the beginning. The former United skipper challenged his coaching qualifications, his support team, and even his personal life before the Manchester derby. That triumph over City failed to earn complete approval from Keane, who reinforced his position that Carrick is definitely not suitable for the role this weekend.
"Two excellent displays but anyone can secure two victories," the former midfielder dismissed from the Sky Sports studio, overlooking the fact that it took Ruben Amorim 11 months to achieve back-to-back Premier League wins.
"Even if United triumph in every remaining match this season, I still wouldn't offer him the position," Keane persisted. "I still wouldn't be persuaded he's suitable for the role. Definitely not.
"They require a more accomplished and superior manager. Given the club's stature and the obstacles they'll encounter in coming years, you want someone who can deliver league championships.
"Are we really going to sit here and accept that Michael Carrick can bring United league titles? That's insufficient for me. I don't believe he's capable of delivering championships."
Wayne Rooney: This Feels Different Than Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Wayne Rooney: This Feels Different Than Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Unlike Keane, Wayne Rooney was teammates with Carrick at United and developed a strong relationship with his fellow countryman that endures today (they vacationed together in Barbados as recently as Christmas). Whether this friendship influenced his opinion is something only Rooney knows, but he certainly endorsed Carrick enthusiastically.
When Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates asked if United's current manager could continue beyond this season, he responded confidently. "Absolutely he can," Rooney answered immediately. "I believe Michael Carrick has a chance to demonstrate to everyone, to Manchester United, that he's qualified for this position."
"What we've witnessed shows he's very qualified for the role," the club's all-time leading scorer added. "And if this continues, there'll be enormous pressure on Manchester United's board to appoint him permanently at season's end.
"I understand they experienced this with Ole previously, but I think this situation feels somewhat different."
Co-pundit Danny Murphy couldn't suppress his laughter at this notion. Carrick, meanwhile, is attempting to minimize the speculation.
Michael Carrick Coy on Man Utd Future
Michael Carrick Coy on Man Utd Future
"What comes next [regarding the manager role] I won't be addressing weekly," United's deliberately understated head coach stated. "I'm relishing this opportunity and I'll keep doing everything possible.
"From our standpoint, it's simply about progressing to the next fixture. We've been working together for less than two weeks, so it's about establishing positive practices and routines. The players have been excellent in that regard.
"But I don't think we should plan too far in advance. We certainly won't be doing so, and we'll conclude wherever we finish by earning the results.
"I realize that sounds predictable, but planning too far ahead can backfire. We've approached this week by week, match by match, and we'll definitely maintain that approach, but we must embrace it, harness the emotion, utilize the energy, and capitalize on the confidence."