Manchester United have made a lot of changes this season and are now close to making a long-term decision for Michael Carrick. Manchester United reportedly have already made a two-year offer for Carrick to sign for the club, as a long-term deal at Old Trafford.
Carrick has wowed many since he took over as caretaker manager earlier this year. The time he came in, the expectations were not so high. Nevertheless, he was a steady man and a consistent tactics man in the Premier League. That stability is what helped United to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
In the bigger picture, this looks like a change in the way United play. The club is not looking for a high-profile manager, preferring to trust someone who is familiar with its culture. Carrick, who has previously been a midfielder for the club, is a perfect fit for this idea. His relation with players and fans has been a big asset too.
The timing is also an important factor. The club parted ways with Ruben Amorim in January and wanted to do it right. Following the experience of Carrick under pressure, the management seems to have a faith in giving him the task on a permanent basis. This is reinforced by the approval of high-ranking officials.
Carrick has played it safe in public. He said he will make a decision on his future “soon”—probably at the end of this season. This suggests that talks are already in the final stages.
If the deal is agreed to, it will likely herald a new era for Manchester United. A period that focused more on stability, identity and long term planning, instead of short term fixes.
