Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United manager Michael Carrick can restore stability at the club and guide the team back to consistent Champions League football, but does not expect him to win the Premier League or Champions League with United.
Carrick, who initially took charge on an interim basis before being appointed permanently, guided Manchester United to third place last season, securing Champions League qualification.
However, Carragher believes Carrick can lay the foundation for a stronger United side but questioned whether he has the quality to lead the club to the biggest trophies in European football.
“I’m not saying it’s going to go wrong. What Manchester United have had for the last six months, need that for another 12 months of not being the circus, not being the story all the time, and Carrick brings you that,” Carragher said on The Overlap.
“But has he got that stardust to win the biggest trophy? And I think you need to get to a strong position of being a proper Champions League club again. And then, right, what do we need?”
Carragher compared Carrick’s role to that of a player who helps a team reach a certain level before another figure is brought in to take the club to the next stage.
“I personally just don’t think Michael Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League.
“I don’t believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he’s done a really good job.
“He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager,” he added.
Carrick has strengthened his midfield ahead of the new season, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arriving at Old Trafford.
Carragher also questioned Manchester United’s decision not to sign former West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who subsequently joined Tottenham for £85 million.
“I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing.
“I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn’t go for Fernandes. They said it was too expensive, but was it that expensive?
“I know £85 million is a lot, but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50 million,” Carragher said.
Manchester United have lost only one pre-season match, against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan, as Carrick continues preparations for the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could remain at Old Trafford after Carrick indicated that the forward is part of his plans.
United defender Harry Maguire has also backed Rashford to stay, describing the forward as a major asset to the team.
“Obviously the transfer window is still open. As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure,” Maguire said.
“You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat.
“I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years, and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us.”
Carragher’s assessment highlights the challenge facing Carrick as he attempts to build on Manchester United’s improved campaign and establish the club as a regular Champions League side, even as questions remain over whether he can eventually deliver the Premier League or Champions League title.
