Michael Carrick is excellently completing his task since taking over as head coach of Manchester United.
The 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford helps Carrick have 6 wins in 7 matches (along with a draw) since returning to replace Ruben Amorim in January.
That achievement makes the atmosphere at Old Trafford optimistic again. Not only are there changes in image, but the performance - especially at home - has brought inspiration and important points in the Premier League.
Including the interim period in 2021, Carrick won all 5 of his first home matches in the Premier League as Man United captain. Before him, only Frank O'Farrell did the same in 1971, when he won in his first 6 home matches.
Against Palace, Man United was led by an early goal by Maxence Lacroix. However, the turning point came when the visiting team's center-back was sent off at the beginning of the second half for fouling Matheus Cunha in a situation preventing a clear opportunity. Bruno Fernandes successfully converted the penalty, before assisting Benjamin Sesko to score the decisive goal.
After 9 matches in the Premier League through two periods of leading, Carrick won 23 points (7 wins, 2 draws). This is the best start after 9 matches for a coach in league history, equal to Ange Postecoglou's record at Tottenham Hotspur.
The victory over Palace extended the impressive streak at Old Trafford, after the "Red Devils" successively defeated Manchester City (2-0), Fulham (3-2) and Tottenham (2-0). Thanks to that, they consolidated their position in the top 4 and moved closer to a Champions League spot.
Carrick's first interim in 2021, he helped Man United win 3-2 against Arsenal at home, before being replaced by Ralf Rangnick - who only won 3 in the first 5 home matches (1 draw, 1 loss).
Looking further, Alex Ferguson won 3 of his first 5 home games in the Premier League after coming to Old Trafford in 1986, while Amorim only won 2 and lost 3 in the first 5 matches. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won 3, drew 2 in the first 5 home games in the 2018-2019 season, while Erik ten Hag has a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss in the 2022-2023 season.
Currently, Carrick is maintaining a perfect home record. If they continue to turn Old Trafford into a fortress, Man United can completely win a ticket to the Champions League next season.
To equal O'Farrell's record of 6 consecutive home wins, Carrick needs to defeat Aston Villa on March 15. After that, Man United will successively host Leeds United, Brentford, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Carrick's long-term future is still undecided. But at the present time, he is bringing stability and efficiency - things that Man United really needs.
I am really very satisfied. This is a big challenge for us today. Entering halftime in a lead is quite new to the whole team.
We did not start well, Palace was the better team, but luckily the whole team gradually regained control of the game afterwards. Very happy to win against a very difficult defensive opponent" - Carrick shared.
