Harry Maguire Backs Michael Carrick for Permanent Manchester United Job as Champions League Return Looms

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has thrown his support behind interim manager Michael Carrick, calling for the club’s hierarchy to hand him the permanent managerial role as the Red Devils edge closer to securing UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2023–24 season.

Carrick was appointed on a temporary basis following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January, a period during which United’s season had deteriorated sharply. The club had been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and had dropped down the Premier League table before the change in management.

Speaking to Sky Sports after United’s 2-1 victory over Brentford, Maguire pointed to the psychological shift within the dressing room as a direct result of Carrick’s tenure. “I think obviously the results help the feeling of confidence about Michael Carrick massively,” the England international said.

Maguire also referenced two high-profile early fixtures under Carrick’s stewardship as evidence of a genuine improvement in the squad’s capability. “We had two tough fixtures when Michael first came in, Arsenal and Manchester City, and we managed to get six points,” he noted.

The United captain was candid about the areas still requiring development, while underlining the collective spirit that has underpinned the club’s recent run of form. “Everyone’s believed in it, and we’ve gathered together. We’ve got the confidence. We know that we can score goals from anywhere. There’s still improvement needed, especially in how we work as a defensive unit, but we’re progressing,” Maguire added.

Drawing a direct comparison to the struggles experienced under Amorim earlier in the campaign, Maguire suggested the team’s identity has been fundamentally altered. “The results speak for themselves since the manager has come in and the formation has changed. Before, games were 50/50, but we often ended up losing. Now it feels like the opposite, we’re stronger defensively and more clinical going forward,” he said.

Carrick himself has remained measured on the question of his long-term future at the club. When pressed on whether he has sought assurances from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding a permanent appointment, Carrick stated: “It will become clear when it becomes clear.”

The broader context surrounding the managerial situation at Old Trafford adds significance to Maguire’s comments. Amorim’s reign, which began with considerable expectation, ultimately unravelled as results failed to materialise amid a congested and difficult fixture schedule. Carrick, a former United midfielder who won five Premier League titles at the club as a player, was seen as a stabilising appointment rather than a long-term solution when he initially stepped in.

However, the transformation in results since January has prompted growing discussion among the squad and supporters alike regarding the merits of a permanent appointment. Champions League qualification would represent a significant commercial and sporting milestone for a club that has spent considerable resources on squad rebuilding in recent seasons.

With the Premier League season approaching its conclusion, United’s hierarchy — led by Ratcliffe’s INEOS group — face an increasingly pressing decision over the managerial position. Maguire’s public endorsement marks one of the more direct interventions by a senior player in that ongoing process.