Being a Manchester United supporter in the modern era teaches you to be wary of anybody that shows interest in your club. Not because there is no hope left, but because hope seemed to be the only thing we cling on for everything. We’ve heard everything, the promises, the “new eras”, the rebuilds, and nothing ever continued past the honeymoon stage.
And for the first time in a long time, Michael Carrick is giving me that feeling.
I think the reason for that is because there weren’t flashy rumors and contracts being thrown around. Neither were there ultimatums or requests from both the club or the manager.
Nothing. Just Michael Carrick, a United LEGEND, showing up as interim manager for the club that gave him everything. Even though the club was 13th and barely holding together in the dressing room, Carrick accepted the job. No questions asked.
Also, it’s the way the team has started to look under him. Not perfect, of course. But more confident every day, smiling, willing to try more than the day before. They looked like they understood what he needed from them.
For so long, United have looked like a group of individuals wearing the same shirt. Recently, they’ve started looking like a team again.
The derby win over City maybe was lucky, sure. But the way they overplayed them? We were LEVELS ABOVE Pep Guardiola’s City.
Then, the Arsenal comeback felt even bigger. Table toppers at the Emirates? No problem
That mentality starts with the manager.
Carrick carries himself calmly, he believes in the players without needing to confirm it to the audience. He avoids noise around the club, focused only on doing his job day by day.
Being a Red means wanting more than just results. Results always matter, but Manchester United has always been about identity too. And I think we were really close to completely losing it these pas
Maybe it’s too early. Maybe there will still be setbacks and frustrating performances. No, there DEFINITELY will be some of those.
But for the first time in a while, I’m not just watching United and hoping we survive another season. I’m watching and thinking about possibly securing European football for the following season.
