After reviving the Red Devils' season and securing a place in next season's Champions League, the interim boss has earned the backing of Premier League icons for a permanent stay.
Michael Carrick has turned the 2025/26 season around entirely for Manchester United, as his side secured a Champions League finish for the first time since 2022/23 under Erik ten Hag.
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim in January and has shown his capability of overcoming top managers and beating top teams. United have secured three points over every 'Big Six' since the 44-year-old's arrival.
Most recently, United got the better of defending Premier League Champions Liverpool in a thrilling 3-2 win at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and a certain Kobbie Mainoo who has looked back to his best following a tough spell under Amorim.
With a top five place secured and much work needed over the summer transfer window, Premier League legend Alan Shearer has called out for the club to keep Carrick at the wheel.
Shearer certain that Carrick should stay
When asked if Carrick is the right fit for the job in the future, Shearer explained to the BBC: “They brought him in to do a specific job, and he has done that job very, very well.
“He’s won in big games as well. He’s beaten [Manchester] City, beaten Arsenal, beaten Liverpool. So for me, yes, he at least deserves the chance to go again."
Shearer also went a little further to talk about the length of contract Carrick should be handed, suggesting a one-year deal with performance-based incentives may be the best route forwrad.
“I don’t know, maybe a one-year contract with different incentives if he hits different targets," the former striker explained. “But he was brought in to do a job, and he’s done that job.”
With the manager market looking slim and the World Cup fast approaching, keeping Carrick in charge would permit Man United with the most time to prepare for next season rather than looking at potential managerial options across different clubs and countries.
Carrick has proven that he can compete in the Premier League, and a sufficient pre-season would allow the club to strengthen for European nights as well.
What more does Carrick need to do?
The overall feeling around the club since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure has been quite chaotic and unclear, with managers coming and going.
Carrick knows the pressure of the United badge from his time as a player, and his calming demeanour has certainly translated into the club. Carrick has shown that his approach can both secure results for United and get players playing to their strengths: something that has often been a flaw of United managers.
For now, Carrick must focus on ending on a high and not taking his foot off the gas for the final three games of the Premier League. As no standout options are present in the managerial market, Carrick has certainly earned the backing across the English football scene to secure the job permanently.
The Red Devils face Sunderland next in the League, and whilst Champions League has been confirmed, United would want to keep hold of their current third place position.