Michael Carrick: Joe Cole reveals United coach’s hidden quality | OneFootball

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick might come across as a quiet individual, but he has a fire within him, according to his former teammate Joe Cole. The former Middlesbrough manager was put temporarily in charge at the Theatre of Dreams last month following the abrupt departure of former head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese was relieved of his duties after an eventful 14-month spell that failed to live up to expectations. Amorim was one of Europe’s brightest young managers when he took charge at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s replacement in November 2024.

Unfortunately, the former Sporting manager could not replicate his record from the Estadio Jose Alvalade in England, overseeing a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season. Despite investing heavily in the squad over the summer, United failed to improve, prompting INEOS to take drastic action and appoint Carrick.

The Englishman, however, has completely transformed the team since his arrival.

Carrick’s Midas Touch

Carrick had the daunting task of facing Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge, but he exceeded expectations by winning both games. His brand of attractive, attacking football engulfed United fans in an air of nostalgia, prompting comparisons with the super-teams from the bygone era.

The Englishman, however, went about his business, seeing off a spirited Fulham side and then getting the better of Tottenham Hotspur. Four wins in his first four games sparked talk of a permanent stay, but the winning run was finally halted at the London Stadium, where the Red Devils secured a hard-fought point courtesy of a late Benjamin Sesko goal.

Michael Carrick: Managerial Career Stats

Source: Wikipedia.

Nevertheless, there is no denying Carrick’s impact on a team that had managed to string together three consecutive wins just once in the 14 months before his arrival. Interim manager Darren Fletcher also failed to impress during his two-game stay after Amorim’s departure, registering a draw and a defeat.

The Englishman’s impressive start to his second caretaker spell has generated hopes of a top-four finish this season, with the Red Devils now sitting fourth in the Premier League after 26 games. Cole shared the pitch with Carrick during their time together at West Ham and England, and he has now given an insight into his former teammate.

A steely character

Speaking to Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge on the Could It Be Magic? Podcast, Cole said that not everyone knows that Carrick has a steeliness about him. He said: “We’ll quickly flip it on to Michael Carrick now, who we’ve all played with. I’ve played with him a lot; I came through with him [at West Ham]. What I would say people don’t know about Michael is there’s a steeliness to him.”

“He’s not a ranter and raver. He doesn’t say nothing. He’s the quiet one. And when he speaks, he speaks and he’s measured. And I was really happy for him in the derby. It was fantastic. But I never saw that coming, to be honest.”

Carrick has won the Premier League Manager of the Month award for January following his spectacular start. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Englishman may have also forced his way into the shortlist of candidates for the permanent job at United, with an appointment expected in the summer.

Final Thoughts

United fans will have a sense of déjà vu following Carrick’s golden run and the rising talk of a permanent stay. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign also started with a bang and promised much before ending on a whimper.

As such, INEOS are unlikely to rush their decision about the permanent appointment, even though several leading candidates appear to have ruled themselves out of the race. However, the Red Devils should also be wary of the rising interest in Carrick’s signature, with recent reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur have him on their wish list.

Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social