After the dismissal of Rúben Amorim (41), Michael Carrick (45), the interim manager leading Manchester United's (Man United) revival, strongly wants to be appointed as the permanent manager, but the club is extremely cautious.
It was interim manager Carrick who rescued the sinking ship. After Amorim's resignation, Carrick took the interim reins and recorded four straight wins and one draw. He has led the team for five matches without defeat.
The opponent clubs were also formidable. Man United beat Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, then league leader Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham in succession, and drew with West Ham United.
Based on these results, Man United climbed to fourth in the league. Along with the rise up the standings, he appeared to have completely taken control of a previously disordered dressing room, raising fans' expectations.
British outlet TeamTalk reported on the 21st (Korean time) that Carrick currently hopes to remain as Man United's permanent manager beyond his interim role, and that both the players and fans are giving him wholehearted support and are pushing for Carrick to be appointed permanently.
But Man United's hierarchy is somewhat cold. According to club sources, Man United currently does not classify Carrick as a strong candidate for the permanent managerial position.
Man United, having witnessed the successive failures of veterans like Louis van Gaal and taxes Mourinho as well as so-called 'rising tacticians' such as Amorim and Erik ten Hag, worries about Carrick's "lack of experience."
Therefore, Man United plans to observe the continuity of the Carrick regime at least until May. If he fails to maintain overwhelming results and performances until the end of the season, the club is likely to take the gamble of bringing in a proven heavyweight manager from outside.
According to the article, while Man United remains unable to make a decision, Tottenham has joined the race to hire Carrick. Tottenham is considering Carrick as a suitable candidate to reshape the team's structure and is watching the situation. Tottenham is also the club Carrick was at just before his move to Man United.
TeamTalk also offered the analysis that Tottenham, which needs rebuilding, might be more suitable for Carrick's career stage than Man United, which is under extreme pressure to win. In particular, Tottenham is reportedly ready to tempt Carrick with the strong card of guaranteeing the permanent managerial position.
Currently in Europe, there are high-profile unemployed managers lined up, such as Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed by Real, and Roberto De Zerbi, who parted ways with Marseille. While Man United is satisfied with Carrick's early results, it has not let go of negotiations with these figures.
Ultimately, for Carrick to remain as Man United's permanent manager, he must continue to perform the "magic" that completely dispels the club hierarchy's doubts during the remainder of the season. It remains to be seen whether an opportunity will come for Tottenham, which entered an interim regime under Igor Tudor after parting ways with Thomas Frank.
[OSEN]