Michael Carrick, a former midfielder who was attached to Manchester United for 12 years, is now realizing the biggest dream of his career when officially leading the Old Trafford team in the position of head coach.
Of course, there will be much debate surrounding whether Carrick is really capable of bringing Man United back to the top or not. But looking at what the team has gone through for more than a decade since Sir Alex Ferguson, the opposite question is probably more worth asking: why not Carrick?
Man United has tried almost every coach model since 2013. They once placed their trust in experienced strategists like Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho. They also gave opportunities to highly rated young coaches like Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim. But regardless of reputation or tactical philosophy, they all faced difficulties under enormous pressure at Old Trafford.
And Carrick brings a very different feeling. Just like the way he secretly created balance in midfield when he was playing alongside Paul Scholes, Carrick is now also bringing the necessary composure to Carrington and Man United's dressing room.
This is especially important in the context that the team has just gone through a chaotic period under Ruben Amorim. "The Red Devils" have continuously disappointed with defeats against Brentford, Grimsby or Everton, while the confidence of many players has dropped to a very low level. Under Carrick, that atmosphere has gradually changed.
He started with resounding victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, before helping the team regain stability with a series of positive matches against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool. More important than the result, Carrick also helped the players regain confidence and the feeling of being trusted.
Kobbie Mainoo is the clearest example. This young midfielder was once not regularly started under Amorim, but quickly became an important factor after Carrick took over. Bruno Fernandes also revived strongly when he was returned to his preferred number 10 role, thereby playing his best football in recent months.
Not only Carrick, his team of associates also played a big role in Man United's revival process. Steve Holland brought experience and tactical stability, Jonathan Woodgate helped significantly improve the defense, while Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion supported young players at Carrington.
The most notable point in Carrick is the balance in management. He is not too excited after the victory, nor does he lose control when the team is in trouble. That calmness is spreading throughout the Man United dressing room - something that the club has lacked for many years.
However, real challenges are just beginning. Winning a Champions League spot helps Man United have more financial resources and attractiveness in the transfer market, but at the same time also puts pressure on maintaining competitiveness in many arenas.
Carrick will have to build a deep enough squad, find a replacement for Casemiro, and maintain stability - which has always been the most difficult problem for every coach at Old Trafford after Sir Alex.
Carrick's first months brought many positive signs, but recent history also makes Man United fans cautious. They have repeatedly hoped, then disappointed.
However, there is one thing that makes Carrick's term more special than his predecessors. That is that he clearly understands that Man United is not just a team, but also an identity. And that very thing could become the most important foundation for the next rebuilding journey at Old Trafford.
