Manchester United icon Michael Carrick has secured an unexpected new position with UEFA whilst speculation continues to swirl around Ruben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford. The former Middlesbrough boss has been touted for a shock comeback to the Theatre of Dreams as caretaker manager, should the Red Devils hierarchy decide to axe the Portuguese tactician. It’s a responsibility he’s fulfilled previously, having stepped into the breach as interim boss after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit from the club.
Carrick’s opening match in the hotseat delivered victory against Villarreal in the Champions League, and he also secured a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Arsenal in the Premier League. He relinquished his role as first-team coach upon Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at Old Trafford, having secured two victories and one stalemate during his temporary tenure.
Carrick took charge at the Riverside Stadium in October 2022 and steered them to the Championship play-off semi-finals at the conclusion of that campaign, where they suffered defeat to Coventry City.
Despite that outstanding inaugural season, the United icon couldn’t replicate such success and departed the Riverside this past June following a mid-table 10th-place finish.
Now, just months later, Carrick has been named as a UEFA Technical Observer and recently offered his analysis on PSG’s latest 2-1 victory over Barcelona.
Speaking on the UEFA website, Carrick said: “It sounds very basic but the key to the game is one-twos, third-man runs and forward runs behind.
“There was so much focus on pressing forward and relying on regaining it in that direction. But as we saw, the downside of this is there is a lot of space behind and across the back line.
“It’s great if you win the ball back or if the other team keep passing to feet and trying to keep possession but it leaves you exposed against a team that is happy to run and pass less. It’s runs in behind that were rewarded.”
After stepping down as United’s interim boss four years ago, Carrick underlined his loyalty to the club and said he would be watching from afar.
“My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career,” said Carrick.
“When I first signed over 15 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
“I want to place on record my thanks to all of the players and a special mention goes to the backroom staff, working long hours with such a great group of people has been a real pleasure and I have made some long-lasting friendships.
“I am, and will always be, a Manchester United fan and will come to as many matches as possible. I look forward to being in the stands and supporting the boys as a fan.”