In a season full of surprises, Manchester United's caretaker manager Michael Carrick has earned a spot on the six-man shortlist for the Premier League's Manager of the Season award—a remarkable achievement for someone who only took the reins in January.
Carrick, who stepped in after Ruben Amorim's departure, has overseen just 15 games, but his impact has been nothing short of transformative. Since January 13, no Premier League club has collected more points (33) than United, and Carrick has guided the team from seventh to third place, securing a return to the Champions League. With a win rate of 66.7%, it's no surprise that club chiefs are reportedly ready to recommend him for the permanent job.
The shortlist is stacked with talent. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola are both in the running, with Arteta just two wins away from delivering Arsenal's first league title since 2004—though Guardiola could snatch his sixth Manager of the Season award. Also nominated are Bournemouth's departing boss Andoni Iraola, who has his team on the verge of a historic European qualification; Brentford's Keith Andrews, who could achieve the same feat in his debut managerial season; and Sunderland's Regis Le Bris, who has kept his side comfortably clear of relegation in their first year back in the top flight.
On the player side, the Player of the Season shortlist features eight standout names. Arsenal's trio of David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice are in contention, alongside Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Brentford striker Igor Thiago, and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White round out the list.
The winners will be determined by a mix of public votes and a panel of football experts, so every fan's voice counts. Whether you're backing Carrick's incredible turnaround at Old Trafford or Arteta's push for glory, this season's awards are shaping up to be a true reflection of the drama and brilliance that defines the Premier League.