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Michael Carrick has helped Manchester United’s form improve drastically since returning to the club in January. Now, fans are split over what has been his best decision to date.
Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach in January, hoping that he could improve things after what had been a topsy-turvy first half to the 2025/26 campaign under Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s dismissal didn’t lead to an instant pick up in results, however. Darren Fletcher jumped into the role for two matches, in a caretaker capacity, failing to win in either.
United have now won seven of their past 10 matches to boost the team’s chances of Champions League qualification. Anything less at this point would be considered a disappointment for Carrick, but he deserves a huge amount of credit for quickly turning things around at Old Trafford.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesMan Utd fans have their say on Michael Carrick’s best decision as head coach
A decision has yet to be made over who will be United’s head coach beyond this season, but there is no denying that Carrick is making a strong case for himself.
Nobody could have envisioned such an improvement, with United currently sitting third in the Premier League when Champions League hopes looked remote, if not impossible, at the beginning of 2026.
Carrick has made multiple big decisions since becoming head coach, whether it’s tactical or to do with personnel.
United fans have been discussing Carrick’s best decisions via TalkingPoints. It made for an interesting debate, prompting multiple valid responses.
Many of the comments pointed towards the decision to reintroduce Kobbie Mainoo to the line-up by playing Bruno Fernandes in his preferred No. 10 role.
One fan wrote: “Putting Bruno in the correct position… what on earth was Amorim thinking?”
Another fan added: “There’s been a few but two big decisions stand out for me. Changing to a back four and putting Kobbie Mainoo back where he belongs, in United’s midfield, which allowed Fernandes return to the No. 10 role. Both were easy decisions but I’m taking nothing away from Carrick by saying that.”
In addition, one United fan wrote: “Best manager Manchester United has had in a very long time. I think with him only things will get better, he’s doing a great job now and if he gets a permanent role he will do much better.”
Someone else wrote: “MC changing the formation to 4-3-2-1 and placing the players in their correct positions.”
Finally, another Red said: “Simplifying the game and putting players in their best positions.”
Michael Carrick has made just six changes to his starting line-up
Across his 10 games in charge to date, Carrick has made just six changes to his line-up.
Two of those were forced through injury: Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez.
Another two were bringing Benjamin Sesko in for Amad Diallo for the win over Crystal Palace, before swapping them back two games later after United had suffered defeat against Newcastle.
The final pair included Noussair Mazraoui coming in for Diogo Dalot in that same game at St James’ Park.
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