When Michael Carrick was coming to the end of his playing career at Manchester United, and considering coaching, the club gave him a questionnaire to fill in which would reveal his true character. It concluded that "Michael is a helpful, patient, stable person who works steadily and consistently. Even-tempered, he communicates, coaches, and teaches in a patient, detailed, non-threatening way. "He prefers having, and following, a well thought-out process to ensure success. If Michael is responsible for establishing the process, he will do so in a thoughtful, methodical manner, paying close attention to details and time-honoured successes." Pretty accurate. What Carrick has done with this United team is simply the appliance of these characteristics and the appliance of common-sense. Abandoning the 3-4-2-1 system that didn’t suit the players and was an insult to United’s DNA (which matters hugely). Playing players in their best positions - Bruno Fernandes as a 10. Ensuring a midfield balance with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, who protect the defence. Restoring that home-grown link with Mainoo (which matters hugely). Restoring belief by telling players, individually and collectively, they are good. He's a good communicator - as the Carrington questionnaire confirmed. Organising the players better. Steve Holland’s training-ground drilling of the units into a cohesive force is already apparent. Holland’s very demanding, not always to everyone’s tastes, but he’s a very effective coach. Holland's a very smart appointment by Carrick. It helps having Lisandro Martinez back. It helps having all week to instil his ideas. It helps that Carrick doesn’t tie himself up in knots in press conferences. He's calm, he reads danger early and he just wants what's best for Manchester United. There's no agenda with Carrick. There will be plenty of calls for Carrick to be given the role after two good wins and performances. Winning the Manchester Derby and then beating the Premier League leaders away is a great start. Carrick loves the club, loves working with the players and has a strong bond with the support. The Carricks are Reds. He did once have to encourage a more polite phrasing of the famous Georgie Best song his young son was passionately singing. United should enjoy having their team back in the hands of somebody who cares and understands and who can lead them forward for the rest of the season. The club can then sit down with Carrick in June and decide on the permanent role. No need to rush. If Carrick guides United into one of the five #UCL positions, he makes the job even more inviting to elite managers - and makes an even more convincing case for himself. #MUFC
