- Man Utd appoint Michael Carrick
- Peter Schmeichel thinks it’s the best choice
- Dane does point out the “challenge” that awaits
Peter Schmeichel has defended Manchester United‘s decision to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach. The opinion of the club’s legendary former goalkeeper contrasts with that of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
Carrick has signed a two-year deal to remain United coach and is expected to confirm it after today’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The Englishman returned to Old Trafford in January, replacing Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.
The 44-year-old has guided the Reds back to the UEFA Champions League, and his side sits third in the Premier League table. Some, including Scholes and Keane, haven’t been too enthused by the idea of handing him the reins permanently.
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“Knows the club” – Schmeichel on Carrick
Schmeichel is backing the decision and believes there’s no better option for the job. The Dane spoke ahead of the Forest game on Sky Sport Live:
“First of all, I want to say, I look around the world, where is a better option? Are we going to wait for somebody who’s going to be knocked out of the World Cup? I don’t see anyone who’s going to go in there and do a better job.”
Other names linked include Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and England manager Thomas Tuchel. Both will be managing at the World Cup, and the latter has even extended his contract to Euro 2028.
Schmeichel added:
“He knows the club, he knows what’s expected from the players. He knows the atmosphere and the environment, and all of these things are very important.”
Carrick has overseen 10 wins and two defeats in 15 games since returning to the Old Trafford dugout. He hasn’t been perfect by any means with question marks over performances, but he’s got results, which were the main objective this season.
Schmeichel on Carrick’s challenge
The Dane did point out that Carrick is now in a much more pressurised position, given he’s stepped up from an interim role into the permanent hot seat. He added:
“What’s going to be the challenge for him now is that it’s easy for him, as he’s an interim manager. He’s come in after the transfer window, he hasn’t had to deal with any players, he can put an arm around their shoulders, he’s only had those players to deal with.“
Carrick insisted several players who started a 0-0 draw against Sunderland last week weren’t “on trial.” But Schmeichel suggested he will need to make difficult decisions, helping INEOS rebuild his squad:
“Now he’s going to have to make a decision about players staying, players coming in and it’s not about keeping players happy now, it’s about winning now. From now on, he can’t be sentimental about players, he has to be ruthless.”
While Schmeichel offers a fair assessment of Carrick’s appointment, his comments contrast with that of Scholes and Keane. The pair have constantly raised concerns over the new manager.
Scholes argued that all Carrick has done is play players in their right positions. Keane, meanwhile, doesn’t think he has enough experience to be handed the permanent job.
