Manchester United has informed Carrick about the new head coach selection plan! His success is not solely due to his own efforts.

Starting his Manchester United coaching stint with victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, Carrick received acclaim similar to Solskjær’s eight consecutive wins during his interim period. Even Roy Keane, who has had a decade-long feud with Carrick’s wife Lisa, had to concede that Carrick is qualified to fight for the permanent role.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs revealed that Manchester United’s owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS management team have clearly told Carrick that a formal head coach selection process will commence during his tenure. This process will be thorough and extensive, with the club having ample time and possibly waiting until after the World Cup to reach a conclusion.

This summer, the coaching market will be exceptionally active, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and other top coaches’ contracts expiring, while national team coaches like Tuchel, Nagelsmann, and Ancelotti may become free agents after the World Cup. Manchester United’s leadership is likely to flood the shortlist with numerous names. Although Carrick’s two wins were impressive, they will not and should not alter the club’s existing plans.

The next head coach chosen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be their most critical decision yet. Manchester United missed the chance to dismiss Ten Hag in time and made a wrong tactical choice with Amrabat. The next permanent manager cannot afford any mistakes and must be the best candidate for the job.

Regardless of Carrick’s results, multiple candidates will be interviewed by Manchester United. Sir Jim has told Carrick that he hopes he will lay a solid foundation for the arrival of the new head coach, but if Carrick achieves good results before the season ends, he could also have a say in the discussions.

Reports indicate that Manchester United players clearly understand their status under Carrick, and the team atmosphere has changed drastically. This does not mean that Ruben Amrabat’s time as coach was without merit; he contributed to some extent. However, the coaching change has undoubtedly produced the desired short-term effect, and if the team maintains this momentum, they could regain a Champions League spot next season.

As long as Carrick’s team finishes in the Premier League’s top five, there is a high probability of securing a Champions League spot. On the UEFA club coefficient rankings, English teams lead by a wide margin, making an additional Champions League berth almost guaranteed.

Therefore, Carrick and his coaching staff are not distracted by concerns about permanent appointment; their sole focus is on performing well in matches. According to BBC, after the victory over Arsenal, assistant coach Steve Holland held Carrick’s hand on the team bus, reviewing some game footage. Sources say this was to prepare tactical plans for the upcoming home match against Fulham. On Monday, Carrick, Holland, and other coaches returned to Carrington to study the next game, while players were given a day off.

Carrick is naturally well-liked by Manchester United players, many of whom have worked with him before. I Paper reported that Carrick holds calm authority at Carrington; one player admired his coaching style as calm and understated, much like his playing days, somewhat resembling current Brazil coach Ancelotti. This reassures players, unlike during Amrabat’s tenure when, for example, Bruno Fernandes looked up at the sky while taking a penalty.

Whether Carrick can achieve a coaching career as illustrious as Ancelotti’s remains uncertain, but he may have that potential. Additionally, assistant coach Holland complements him well, compensating for Carrick’s weaknesses such as a somewhat monotonous tactical system and slower in-game adjustments.

The oldest member of the coaching staff, Holland, was an unremarkable player but a devoted Manchester United fan, with football as his life. Sources say: “Whether it’s the Champions League, player analysis, or other areas, he demonstrates remarkable insight into football details. He is also taciturn, so you never know if he is calm, satisfied, or angry inside.”

This personality gives Holland an authoritative presence without raising his voice, commanding attention. Rooney highly praised him: “I think Steve (Holland) is a great choice for Manchester United. I worked with him on the England team, and his tactical ability is outstanding.”