Manchester United made Michael Carrick the new head coach earlier this week, with Andy Mitten now reporting the impact already had by the club legend.
With the Ruben Amorim era now a distant memory, Michael Carrick will be making Manchester United his own ahead of the Manchester derby.
Carrick was appointed head coach on Tuesday, immediately getting to work on the training ground with preparations boosted by the return of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo from AFCON.
Training also saw Carrick using youth, with Habeeb Ogunneye a surprising inclusion in the first-team session from Wednesday. Now, Andy Mitten has shared what he’s been hearing around Carrington after the first few days.
What ONE WORD describes your feelings ahead of the Manchester Derby this weekend?
Carrick’s first test: The noisy neighbours 🤐🏙️
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Michael Carrick has already improved the mood at Manchester United
Carrick has been tasked with getting United to the Champions League, which is an ambitious target considering Amorim was only expected to get top six.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
If Carrick is to achieve this, he will need to immediately win over the players and he’s made a good start.
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Mitten says Carrick has already improved the mood around the club.
“The mood is on the floor among the fans. But I am told, and this is from reliable sources. If you don’t want to hear this, then fine.
“But I’m just doing my job. The mood has improved this week inside Carrington. Breath of fresh air.
“That isn’t a slight against Ruben Amarin. This is just completely normal when a manager goes, because managers tend to leave in tense circumstances. There is tension.
“That’s why they’ve lost a job. That’s why they’ve left. So when anyone comes in, you or I could go in there.
“Actually, it’s a terrible example because we’ll probably get laughed at. But someone who’s respected like Michael, comes in. You will have players there thinking, ‘alright, I’ve got a chance.’
“I’ve got a new boss. I’ve got a new chance.”
Carrick has clearly made a good start in his role. However, despite this, Gary Neville has ruled out Carrick from getting the permanent position.
Is Gary Neville wrong to be ruling Michael Carrick out of the running for the permanent job already?
Or do you think this is a moment Neville is speaking sense?
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Carrick has massive opportunity at Manchester United
For Ineos, picking a new permanent head coach will be a long and nerve-racking process which the decision makers will know simply needs to be correct.
Due to the jeopardy involved for Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, Carrick could make himself undeniable.
If Carrick achieves his target of Champions League football, plays good football and manages to get players and fans behind him, it might be that Ineos decide he is the best option.
Five months for Carrick to make himself the clear pick as United boss.
Recently, Carrick has been compared with Carlo Ancelotti, and this alone should inspire belief that he is bound to be a top class manager.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox