Carrick intends to focus on defensive training and refuses to seek mid-season financial gains! Manchester United will also observe a Spring Festival break, resuming work on the eighth day of the lunar new year.

As the countdown to China’s Lunar New Year approaches, it’s noteworthy that Manchester United will have a Spring Festival break this year! Following their Tuesday away game at West Ham, the team will experience a 13-day pause, which is due not to the holiday but to their elimination from the FA Cup.

According to the schedule, the fourth round of the English FA Cup will take place between February 14 and 17. Unfortunately, before Carrick took charge, Manchester United were knocked out at home by Brighton. The “Seagulls” will face Liverpool away in this round, while United will have no fixtures, gaining an extra weekend off.

Had Ruben Amorim remained in charge, United fans might have been relieved that the team wouldn’t suffer setbacks just before New Year’s Eve. However, since Carrick’s appointment, the team has thrived, and now Red Devils supporters may regret missing out on witnessing the squad’s strong form during the holiday break.

British media report that United had considered organizing an overseas training camp or friendly match to earn millions in appearance fees. However, Carrick declined plans to take the team to the warm climates of the Middle East or the United States. He prefers keeping the squad at Carrington to focus on strengthening their defensive solidity. Under his management in four games, United have won consecutively, scoring two or more goals per match, but they have also conceded goals, letting in two each against Arsenal and Fulham.

United initially planned a mid-season friendly in the Middle East, but that proposal has been shelved. After next month’s international break, there is room to arrange a friendly, and negotiations might resume, but currently, United do not intend to embark on a money-making tour.

Interestingly, United’s next game coincides exactly with the time Chinese fans return to work after the New Year. The team will visit Everton in the early hours of February 24, the eighth day of the lunar new year. Securing a win against the “Toffees” would greatly influence the mood of Red Devils fans returning to their jobs that day. A victory would be like giving supporters a “lucky red envelope” for work.

But first, United must perform well in their away match against West Ham. The team’s last five-match winning streak was over three years ago under then-manager Ten Hag. Before the game, captain Bruno Fernandes praised Carrick as an excellent coach, saying he recognized Carrick’s managerial abilities from his previous tenure.

Carrick remains calm and grounded, stating that time will judge his achievements and there is no need to rush to conclusions. He reminded Manchester United that there are still team goals to pursue this season and that he is not currently considering his personal future.

“I have known Bruno Fernandes for some time and understand him well,” Carrick said. “Even during my time away from the club, I occasionally saw him, so we have a good relationship. He’s an intelligent player, sharp-minded, and passionate about the club. We share the same objectives in that regard. When a respected player like Bruno, whom I admire greatly, speaks highly of me, it’s obviously pleasing. But ultimately, the most important thing is the team performing at its best, which requires everyone’s effort.”

Carrick added, “Time will provide the answers. It’s not yet the moment to judge how good or successful the performance is because, in reality, nothing definitive has happened. There’s still a lot to do until the season ends, and then we will see how things turn out.”

Carrick reiterated his principle of not becoming complacent due to a strong start. This may stem from his experience: when he took over as Middlesbrough manager in October 2022, he won 16 of the first 23 games, but the team ultimately lost in the promotion playoffs and failed to return to the Premier League.

On Friday, Carrick’s former club Middlesbrough defeated Sheffield United 2-1 away, surpassing Coventry to top the Championship table, greatly boosting their promotion prospects. Meanwhile, Carrick has the chance to lead Manchester United back into the Champions League. He is enjoying the joy of victory but understands there is still much work to do to secure a Champions League spot.

“It’s easier said than done, but the key is to enjoy the happiness of winning at the right time. That’s why we’re involved in this,” Carrick said. “You have to learn to handle the excitement and enjoy the joy of victory, not always stay calm and composed. Of course, before the next match, you must reset and prepare for what’s ahead.”

Carrick explained, “After winning, you definitely gain confidence and a positive mindset to approach the next game better. But the biggest challenge is understanding what brought you this success and all the effort and preparation behind it. Winning at a high level is very tough, so you can never take it for granted that the next match will be easy. You can still allow yourself to feel the subtle emotional fluctuations. Honestly, if you can’t truly experience these, then playing football would be very boring and meaningless. After all, winning is the goal we all strive for.”