Michael Carrick is staying at Old Trafford – and he has his sights set on the Premier League title.
Manchester United confirmed the 44-year-old as their permanent head coach on Friday, handing him a two-year contract running until 2028. Carrick has overseen 11 wins in 16 games since taking over following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, securing Champions League football with three matches to spare and finishing third in the Premier League.
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“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. “Supporting Manchester United and looking forward to what can happen should always feel like that. That’s the drive and for us to reward the fans would be pretty special.”
Carrick won five Premier League titles and the Champions League as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson and now has the chance to become the first man to win the Premier League as both player and manager at the same club.
“I’d take that right now,” he said. “That’s the goal and I’ve got to believe it.”
United co-owners Ineos want to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028 with the league title – an ambition that aligns perfectly with Carrick’s appointment. The club have not mounted a realistic title challenge since Ferguson retired as champion in 2013.
Director of football Jason Wilcox said Carrick had forged a strong bond with the playing squad. “His achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated,” he said.
– AFP
Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
