Michael Carrick has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for January, a remarkable achievement considering he only returned to Manchester United 13 days into the new year.
United’s resurgence under Carrick has been swift and emphatic. After the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, interim arrangements involving Darren Fletcher failed to deliver a win in the opening three matches of January. Momentum was slipping.
Then Carrick stepped in and everything changed.
He guided United to statement victories over rivals including Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as a professional win against Fulham. The unbeaten run has extended into February, highlighted by a win over Tottenham Hotspur and a hard earned draw away at West Ham United.
A Fast Tracked Honour:
Carrick previously made a bright start at Middlesbrough, earning Championship Manager of the Month nominations before eventually claiming the award months later. This time, the recognition has arrived almost instantly.
Yet Carrick has been quick to deflect personal praise. In celebrating the award, he posed alongside his entire coaching staff, underlining that United’s revival is a collective effort rather than a one man turnaround.
Permanent Job in Sight?
The bigger question now looms. Should Carrick be handed the job permanently?
United currently sit fourth in the table with 45 points from 26 matches, firmly in the Champions League race. However, the margin for error is slim. Aston Villa remain close behind, while Liverpool and Chelsea are still within striking distance.
With 12 games remaining, consistency will define Carrick’s fate. The upcoming break could either disrupt momentum or provide valuable time to refine tactics and maintain squad fitness.
Carrick took 13 points from his first five matches, an impressive return. Replicating that form over the final stretch could not only secure Champions League qualification but make the decision about United’s next permanent manager a straightforward one.
For now, the results are speaking loudly. The question is whether they will keep speaking until May.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
