Manchester United's remarkable resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick has earned the 44-year-old widespread praise, but club legend Gary Neville still believes two other managers are better suited to take the reins permanently at Old Trafford.
Since stepping into the hot seat, Carrick has guided the Red Devils to the most points in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League—a remarkable turnaround from the struggles under former coach Ruben Amorim. When Carrick returned in January, a top-five finish seemed like a distant dream. The team was languishing in poor form, and fears of another nightmare season loomed large.
But under Carrick's calm, steady hand—honed during his playing days alongside stalwart Luke Shaw—United have transformed. Results have been spectacular, with Carrick's side defeating every traditional top-six opponent during his short tenure. Individual performances have soared too: Bruno Fernandes is on track to break the all-time Premier League assist record, while Kobbie Mainoo's stellar displays have earned a lucrative new contract.
This revival has sparked a wave of support from the dressing room, with many players advocating for Carrick to land the job permanently. Yet speaking on The Overlap Stick To Football Podcast, Neville offered a tempered view. "If Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti become available," he said, "I do think Manchester United should pursue a manager who's already proven at the highest level."
It's a classic case of timing in football—momentum versus pedigree. For fans and players alike, the debate now is whether Carrick's stunning run is enough to write a new chapter in United's history, or if the club should wait for a seasoned tactician to lead the charge.
