He made no demands – now Manchester United are being pressured to make a choice**
MANCHESTER – When Manchester United recently had to decide who would lead the team going forward, the club was effectively left with two internal candidates: Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær . Both were relevant. Both were considered. The choice fell on Carrick – without him making a single demand for his own future.
That choice now characterizes the club.
This has happened
Michael Carrick has led Manchester United in three games . The results have been strong – and not least in games where the pressure has been massive.
First, he led United to victory at home against Manchester City , in a game in which the team appeared compact, disciplined and tactically astute. The victory immediately gave Carrick credibility – both internally and externally.
Then came the away game against Arsenal , one of the toughest tasks of the season. United delivered a mature away performance and took points from the Emirates Stadium, another sign of a team that is harder to beat than before.
Most recently, United beat Fulham at home , a game that on paper should have been won – but which also had to be won. Carrick's team delivered, took three points and followed up on the good performances from the big games.
The result after three matches is clear: no losses , points against direct rivals – and a victory in a high-profile derby, and not least, three wins in a row.
This is happening now
This is where the gamble really begins.
Because despite the strong start, Carrick has chosen not to use the results as a means of pressure. He has not demanded an extension. He has not signaled that he expects the job to be permanent. He has deliberately kept the discussion away from himself.
Meanwhile, the assessments continue behind the scenes. Ole Gunnar Solskjær is still a relevant candidate, representing a more long-term and defined alternative. Carrick, on the other hand, represents the momentum – what is working right now.
The contrast is clear. And it becomes clearer with every match played.
A team that looks different
Under Carrick, United have appeared more compact, more disciplined and far harder to break down. The gaps in the team are shorter, the roles clearer and the risk level lower.
It has been effective.
The players respond, the audience responds – and the results give Carrick increasingly stronger cards in his hand, without him putting them on the table himself.
The world's best gambler?
The question hangs in the air:
Is Michael Carrick the world's best gambler?
He has chosen not to secure anything. No demands. No guarantees. No public ambitions. Yet he has placed Manchester United in a situation where it is becoming increasingly difficult to look past him.
Carrick has already delivered what the club needed at the moment.
The fans have regained their faith, and they will surely push for Carrick to become permanent.
Now it's up to Manchester United to decide what to do next.
