Michael Carrick has received well wishes from Ole Gunnar Solskjær following his appointment as the interim manager of Manchester United. Carrick, who succeeded Solskjær in a role he previously held for three years, led the team to a convincing 2–0 victory against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. Carrick’s tenure is set to continue until the end of the 2025–26 season, and his primary goal is to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The former England midfielder confirmed he had been in touch with Solskjær, expressing gratitude for the support. “Yes, I spoke to him,” Carrick stated ahead of United’s upcoming match against Premier League leaders Arsenal. “He wished us all the best and he was happy that we got the right result against Manchester City.” The bond between the two is evident, as Carrick noted their shared experiences and mutual respect.
In his debut match, Carrick made a bold decision to reinstate Kobbie Mainoo in the starting lineup for the derby against City. The young midfielder impressed with an energetic performance, demonstrating Carrick’s trust in emerging talent. “I’ve really enjoyed working with Kobbie,” Carrick remarked. “This club needs young players coming through to understand what it means for the club and for the supporters.”
Despite dominating possession, with City holding 68% compared to United’s 32%, Carrick’s side displayed a well-organized press that forced City into numerous mistakes. The strategy effectively neutralized the threat posed by City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, who managed only 14 touches before being substituted after 80 minutes.
Looking ahead, Carrick recognizes the challenge posed by Arsenal, who currently lead both the Premier League and the Champions League group stages with a perfect record of seven wins from seven matches. “It’s a big challenge,” Carrick stated. “They are where they are for a reason, so we’re fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all.”
The upcoming match at the Emirates Stadium presents United with an opportunity to leapfrog Liverpool in the league standings. Liverpool suffered a defeat against Bournemouth, losing to a last-minute goal on Saturday night. “We feel we’re in a good place and we’re looking forward to the game,” Carrick added, emphasizing the need for positive energy and enthusiasm.
As Carrick embarks on this new chapter, the support from Solskjær and the impact of young talents like Mainoo will be crucial as Manchester United aims to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite.
