Carrick makes his first public statement expressing hope to become permanent Manchester United manager! Emerges as the top favorite, reveals long-term plans

Manchester United interim manager Carrick has openly expressed his desire to continue leading the team beyond this season. He has achieved 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 matches, including victories over title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal. The club still plans to wait until the end of the season before deciding on a permanent manager, but Carrick, who previously avoided discussing his future, has now stated his wish to be appointed permanently.

Carrick told BBC: "This is not just empty words. In my opinion, being Manchester United's manager is the ideal position. I really enjoy my current role and love my profession. I am fortunate to be in this position, and it makes me proud. However, the key is not just believing I can do the job that brought me here. When I arrived, I said there were emotional factors involved, such as understanding my responsibilities, serving the club, loving the club, and being a Manchester United fan. Now, I am here to get the job done, build a strong team, and achieve success."

Carrick stated that he has already planned for Manchester United’s long-term development. "Although I cannot decide how long I will coach here, I really enjoy my time. As long as I’m here, I will give my all. I always think about the club’s future, and I believe that’s how it should be. I love my work. The people here are great, the coaches are excellent, and the players’ performances are incredible. Manchester United is a place worth coming to every day; just driving here brings joy. Whether in Manchester or worldwide, the reaction and support for United are indescribable, truly amazing. So yes, I’m happy to stay here."

Manchester United often faces criticism from club legends, and Carrick himself has been questioned by former captain Roy Keane, mainly because Carrick’s wife Lisa publicly criticized Keane over a decade ago. Carrick responded, "That doesn’t bother me at all. Really, it doesn’t. I won’t fall out with anyone over it. I think it’s more a matter of respect, and I’m open to communication and progress. I believe that’s what we need to offer and care for young players. Things are completely different now compared to when I started, but we will handle everything and take good care of them."

British media revealed that as other popular managerial candidates like Tuchel and Ancelotti continue with their national teams, Carrick has become the leading favorite for Manchester United’s permanent manager next season. His assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland are also helping him secure the permanent role.

The "i Paper" reported that if Carrick stays, his coaching staff will keep their jobs as well. Sources say Holland, along with Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, have a perfect balance, and they are surprised no Premier League club has hired Holland yet, given his outstanding skills and expertise.

Before joining the England national team, Holland was a long-time assistant coach at Chelsea. It is said that his experience helps Carrick’s other young coaches collaborate more effectively. Woodgate is one of them, having previously worked only at Bournemouth and Middlesbrough.

Woodgate, who played for Real Madrid during his playing career, speaks Spanish, which benefits his management at Manchester United. His tactical insights have surprised some, especially in defense. "The Woodman" is responsible for developing young defenders Eden Haven and Lenny Yaro at United.

Carrick revealed that he did not know Holland before. "It’s a very good team, and it feels like we’ve worked together for a long time, but actually, we didn’t know each other before," Carrick explained. "I didn’t know Steve (Holland) very well, but I felt the structure was well balanced, so I agreed to invite him in. He’s very experienced, having gone through coaching changes and different styles, managing top players, which I think is crucial."

The Manchester United manager continued: "Jonathan (Woodgate) and I worked together at Middlesbrough. He’s very loyal, not only understanding, supporting, and encouraging me but also challenging me. We have a close relationship. Jonny (Evans) knows the club well, has been here a long time, has good relationships with players, loves his job, is helpful, and cares about others. Both of them were top central defenders over the past 20 to 25 years and can pass experience to the younger players. Travis (Binnion) is an important part of the academy, which is key for the club."

Carrick disclosed that sometimes his coaching decisions are questioned. "I can’t always be right, no one can, which is why there are six people in the coaching office. We all have our own opinions, and we filter them together, reach consensus, and understand which direction to move forward. At the same time, we must motivate each other."

During this half-month break, Manchester United did not leave Manchester. There will be another international break at the end of March and early April. It has been rumored that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS management team are considering organizing a commercial match to generate revenue. Last summer, the club earned about £8 million from two playoff matches in Asia.

However, this possibility is decreasing as Manchester United worries it might affect their goal of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. According to the latest European match schedule, finishing fifth in the Premier League is basically enough to secure a Champions League spot. "There is no black-and-white answer to this issue," Carrick said. "We will make a decision; it’s not simple, and we will assess it. It depends on the location, nature, timing, and schedule of the match. If we believe it is best for the players, we will go ahead."

Regarding what Manchester United has been doing recently, Carrick said: "We try to make an impact in different ways. The team has changed over the past month, and it’s important to take a few days to digest and absorb that. The players first did some training, then rested for a few days, and then continued preparing. The key is to find balance, maintain rhythm and condition, and stay focused. I have to say the players’ training performances have been excellent. Looking ahead, the schedule is quite tight, so we need to constantly adjust and adapt to see how it turns out, especially with international matches and subsequent rest periods. We will arrange everything based on the actual situation and make full use of every opportunity."