Manchester United still has two years to realize their ambitious goal: to win the Premier League title in 2028. Michael Carrick may not be INEOS's initial choice in the "150 project" - a plan to bring Man United's men's and women's teams back to the top of English football on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the club's founding under the name Newton Heath.
However, the two-year contract with optional extension until 2029 shows that the board believes that Carrick is capable of helping Man United win the Premier League for the first time since the 2012-2013 season.
Although the decision to appoint Carrick did not face too much opposition, there is still great skepticism about his ability to bring the team back to the top. 6 coaches have failed since the time of Sir Alex Ferguson. And can Carrick make a difference?
Carrick and the perfect time
Before choosing Carrick, Man United had contacted many other candidates. However, after what he did in the final stage of the season, giving the official job to the former English midfielder is almost inevitable.
Carrick helped the "Red Devils" finish in the top 3 one round early and win a ticket back to the Champions League. In the context that the world-class coaching market this summer does not have too many options, that is the most reasonable option.
The 2026 World Cup also partly affects Man United's decision. Some top candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann could not take over the team before mid-July, while Carrick has directly participated in the transfer plan and received strong support from the dressing room.
However, the appointment of Carrick still has the appearance of a suitable person at the present time rather than an affirmation for a long-term reign. He was sacked by Middlesbrough just a year ago because he could not win a Championship promotion ticket. Premier League coaching experience is almost non-existent, although Carrick's winning rate at Man United is currently higher than any coach since Ferguson's time, if calculated in the same number of matches.
Carrick's journey also has some similarities with Mikel Arteta - who was once suspected before bringing Arsenal back to the top. But to successfully recreate Arteta, Carrick will have to overcome a series of much bigger challenges.
Champions League problem
Carrick's record in the Premier League is very impressive. Man United won 12 out of 17 matches under him, while Amorim only won 15 matches in the league during his 18 months leading the team. However, real challenges will come next season, when they have to balance between the Premier League and the Champions League.
This season, Carrick somewhat benefited from a lighter schedule. Man United only played 40 matches - the club's fewest number since the 1914-1915 season - after being eliminated early in cup competitions and not participating in European competitions.
That helps them have an average of 8 days off between matches, twice as much as Arsenal in all competitions. In the same period, Arsenal played 13 more matches than Man United.
The Champions League is always the goal of every big team, but a harsh schedule is also a not small price. Chelsea, Newcastle or Tottenham have all seriously declined when they had to strain themselves on many fronts.
Man United next season will have to play at least 8 more matches in the Champions League, not to mention the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. With the current squad depth, that will be huge pressure for Carrick.
The midfield is the biggest problem
Almost every position in the Man United squad needs to be upgraded, but the midfield is clearly the number one priority. This is an area that they have never thoroughly addressed since the time of Sir Alex Ferguson. But now, the issue has become more urgent than ever.
Casemiro will definitely leave Old Trafford. Manuel Ugarte may also be liquidated in the club's squad reduction plan. That means Kobbie Mainoo, only 21 years old, is almost the only real central midfielder left.
According to British media, MU wants to recruit at least two midfielders this summer. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Mateus Fernandes and Ederson are all on the target list.
The most difficult problem lies in replacing Casemiro. Initially, the Brazilian midfielder was brought in as a true number 6 - "the glue between stones" as Erik ten Hag once described. But under Carrick, Casemiro also played an extremely important role in attack support with 6 assists and directly brought 5 points for the team.
Man United not only needs a new defensive midfielder, but also more than that to completely rebuild the midfield. If they want to return to the top in 2028 as targeted, this will be the most important task for Carrick and the club's board of directors.
