Michael Carrick
January 2026
Maguire said Carrick remains the sharpest passer at the club and is hands-on in sessions, reinforcing the impact of the new coaching setup at Carrington. Maguire described Carrick stepping into drills for demonstrations and “banging it through the lines,” using minimal touches to set the standard while the squad repeats the work at volume.
Alan Shearer
January 2026
Shearer argues Amorim’s refusal to move away from a back-three system contributed to failure, with Carrick’s immediate switch to a 4-2-3-1 framed as proof the squad fits a different setup. The criticism focuses on tactical rigidity and lack of adaptation, contrasting it with Carrick’s rapid results and more conventional structure.
Patrick Dorgu
January 2026
Dorgu is reported to have a significant hamstring injury and could miss roughly 10 weeks, a major blow after scoring against Arsenal and thriving under Carrick. Carrick initially suggested it might be cramp, but follow-up checks indicate muscular damage. The report emphasizes his role change from wing-back to left-winger in a 4-2-3-1 and his direct impact in wins over City and Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes
January 2026
Reports say Fernandes wants around £400,000 per week to stay and will delay committing until United confirm the next permanent manager, with his frustration aimed at club operations and instability. The claim is United may need to break their wage structure, and Casemiro’s departure is framed as a potential budget release. Other clubs are positioned to move if Fernandes signals he is open to leaving.
Harry Maguire
January 2026
Maguire praised Carrick for bringing fresh energy after United followed up a 2-0 derby win over Manchester City with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, giving Carrick six points from six. United’s goals came from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and a late winner by Cunha. Arsenal suffered their first home league defeat of the season and their lead at the top was cut to four points. Carrick said the group is still building and needs to add layers in coming weeks.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Carrick said Solskjaer contacted him to congratulate him after United chose Carrick over Solskjaer following Amorim’s dismissal. United were reported to have considered bringing Solskjaer back, but opted for Carrick, who then started with a 2-0 win over Manchester City and reiterated his focus on raising standards and uniting players and fans.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick praised Mainoo’s quality, mindset, and ability to handle big games, indicating the 20-year-old will get more chances after being marginalised under Ruben Amorim. Carrick cited a long working relationship dating back to Mainoo’s early teens, stressed the importance of academy pathways, and pointed to Mainoo’s performance and enjoyment in the derby as evidence of what he can offer.
Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026
De Zerbi dismissed speculation about the United job and said his focus is entirely on Marseille while United continue their search for a permanent head coach. He stressed he feels good at the club and city and would not discuss future possibilities, despite past reports he was interviewed for the role and United admiration for his work since Brighton and his early Marseille success.
Jamie Carragher
January 2026
Carragher said Carrick should not be considered for the permanent United job, arguing he lacks the elite level needed to win the Premier League. He compared Carrick to Rosenior as managers unlikely to topple top-tier rivals, then selected a shortlist of Nagelsmann, Tuchel, Luis Enrique, and Howe, with Tuchel singled out as having the edge and confrontational drive to reset a drifting club.
