It was a perfect evening for Carrick. In his first match in the coaching position, the team won, did not concede a goal and won an early ticket to the round of 16 of the Champions League. The sadness of "brother" Solskjaer has been put on hold.
About 2,000 Manchester United fans have come to El Madrigal Stadium to see the team under the new reign, to see what Carrick has achieved. Before the match, not many people dared to think about the score of 2-0 away against a tough opponent. However, it still happens.
On the pitch, there was a calm, elegant and meticulous Carrick in every action, just like when he was playing.
For Manchester United's staff, Carrick is someone who never answers the phone in preparation for the match and is more meticulous than anyone.
Returning to the 90 minutes at El Madrigal, Carrick had a contrasting demeanor to the strong Emery of the home team. He constantly reminded the players on the field and continuously discussed with friends such as McKenna, Fletcher or "old man" Phelan.
Not leaving behind what was happening on the pitch for a single minute and not having to carry himself up to show off as "old-flight", Carrick wanted to read the match from a panoramic perspective, broader than the day he played for M.U.
Carrick said he was greatly influenced by Ole. That is true if looking at the formation and playing style of M.U against Villarreal. It's not impressive, it has to be realistic about that, but at least Carrick didn't make the mistake of his predecessor.
He let Martial, Sancho,... discuss the opponent before sending Rashford and Bruno onto the field to finish the match. That is the normal way of doing things, not outstanding, but it is true to the way Carrick played when he was a player, just right and simple. In this regard, Carrick has made more progress than Ole himself.
Speaking of mistakes, Carrick must not forget why last year, M.U left the Champions League. That was an unimaginable loss to Istanbul BB. When M.U took the lead over Villarreal thanks to Ronaldo, Carrick urged the players to play faster to give the "Golden Submarine" another punch. Finally, it came, as strong as the way Sancho shot the ball straight into the top corner of the goal.
Once again, Carrick is simple, not outstanding but effective.
In the 88th minute, the singing of M.U fans began to resound in the corner of El Mdrigal: "That was Carrick, we all knew him. It's unbelievable but it's not Scholes." After the match, the interim captain of M.U did not forget to thank those supporters, ending a perfect night.
In the post-match press conference, still in that calm demeanor, Carrick thanked everyone. He did not forget to share, he was just a part of the common success, he had to know people, know us. As long as the whole team is united.
Back to England to head towards Stamford Bridge - where the strongest team in Europe is currently waiting. Who knows, without any superficial strategy, victory comes from simple things like that?
