Michael Carrick's Stunning Start: Rating Man Utd's First Four Victories Under Their New Boss
Following Ruben Amorim's departure from Manchester United after a 1–1 stalemate against Leeds United in early January, the atmosphere at Old Trafford carried a depressingly familiar tone.
Yet another coach had departed without achieving the hoped-for transformation. An enormously costly roster continued to fall short of expectations. A deteriorating venue. Persistent turmoil behind the scenes, with fans growing more agitated by the Glazer family's control and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's expanding role.
Though the venue concerns persist and supporter dissatisfaction lingers, the on-field dynamic has transformed remarkably within just one month. Temporary manager—and former United player—Michael Carrick, brought in through season's end, has secured victory in all four matches under his leadership.
This streak has already surpassed Amorim's finest run in command—three straight victories—and has positioned United squarely in Champions League contention, elevating spirits around Old Trafford considerably. The positive energy has returned to the Theatre of Dreams.
These haven't been straightforward triumphs either. Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have all succumbed to Carrick's revitalized squad, who are displaying the confidence and determination that characterized United sides of previous eras.
Sports Illustrated evaluates his four victories thus far, considering performance quality, result importance and the broader circumstances surrounding each triumph.
4. Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Feb. 7)
The most recent of United's four triumphs under Carrick witnessed them defeat Tottenham 2–0, courtesy of strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.
Though the victory carried additional satisfaction as payback for last season's Europa League final, it was honestly a relatively straightforward outcome. Tottenham appear struggling under Thomas Frank, and their troubles were magnified when Cristian Romero received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Casemiro during the opening period.
If United had failed to secure that match, it would have registered as a letdown—clear evidence of just how much progress they've made under Carrick in such a brief timeframe.
3. Man Utd 3-2 Fulham (Feb. 1)
It's difficult to remember a more electrifying conclusion at Old Trafford in recent times than United's 3–2 triumph over Fulham on Feb. 1.
Leading by two goals and appearing to coast toward an easy victory, Marco Silva's team netted twice late to suggest they might steal a draw. However, Benjamin Šeško had different plans, delivering an excellent finish from Fernandes' delivery with practically the match's final touch to secure all three points.
The triumph was classic United. While under Amorim the Red Devils might have wilted and settled for a tie, Carrick—a student of Sir Alex Ferguson—maintained his squad's determination until the closing whistle. Fergie time? More like Carrick o'clock.
2. Man Utd 2-0 Man City (Jan. 17)
Carrick's second tenure as United's interim boss—he previously oversaw just three matches in 2021 before Ole Gunnar Solskjær's hiring—couldn't have begun more promisingly.
A victory against your primary local adversaries? Accomplished. A new tactical setup after a year of inflexible strategies under Amorim and supporter favorite Kobbie Mainoo restored to the lineup? Accomplished. An inspiring display crowned with a shutout? Accomplished. Old Trafford absolutely electric as strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu hit the target? Accomplished.
The victory was not only vital for a United team that had tied their previous three contests, but it also established the foundation for what would follow in subsequent weeks: United, and Carrick, had returned.
1. Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd (Jan. 25)
Mirroring their exciting triumph over Fulham but with even greater significance, Carrick's United delivered a remarkable performance to defeat table-toppers Arsenal on Jan. 25—on the road, nonetheless.
Following an early own goal from Lisandro Martínez, United responded with second-half goals from Mbeumo and Dorgu, the latter's half-volley representing a moment of sheer excellence.
Arsenal seemed to have rescued a point when Mikel Merino found the net in the 84th minute, only for Matheus Cunha—appearing rejuvenated under Carrick—to sprint to the opposite end and net a spectacular individual goal just three minutes afterward to clinch the victory.
United hadn't defeated Arsenal in the Premier League since September 2022, so any triumph would have been appreciated—but this one was particularly gratifying. Not only were they the dominant team on the day, but defeating one of their strongest competitors at their zenith made it even more rewarding.