Michael Carrick has backed Manchester United to return to competing for the top trophies following his appointment on a permanent deal.
The former Middlesbrough head coach rejoined the Red Devils on an interim deal in January, taking over from Ruben Amorim who had led the club to a 15th place finish last season.
However, Carrick oversaw remarkable improvement in charge as the club secured a return to the UEFA Champions League and are on course for a third placed finish in the Premier League.
The 44-year-old was also appointed on a permanent deal on a two-year deal that keeps him in charge until 2028.
“It’s good to make steps, good to get in the Champions League, good to finish third, but [I want] to make this place better,” Carrick told club media.
“I must admit on Sunday in the stadium it felt a little bit different. There was a real togetherness and kind of enjoyment from everyone and that was powerful for me.
“Supporting Manchester United and looking forward to what can happen should always be like that. That’s the drive [to win trophies] and for us to reward the fans would be pretty special.”
Manchester United last won a major silverware in the 2023-24 season when they defeated Manchester City to win the FA Cup.
Despite reaching the final of the Europa League last season, they were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur, while they also suffered early cup exits this season.
“I said when I came in I can’t do this just with eyes on, ‘it might be the summer, it might be past the summer’,” Carrick added.
“There was no way I was just making decisions for the short term.
“It was always a case of trying to make things better for the future.
“But it’s certainly been an element of planning from my side and eyes on what it could look like, so it’s an important summer. We want to make a big step if we can”, he concluded.
Manchester United will conclude their 2025-26 campaign on Sunday when they face Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
