Varun Pai
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick reveals long-term future as manager and expectation from players ahead of Villarreal trip
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (h/t The Metro), Michael Carrick revealed his long-term future as Manchester United manager and his expectation from the players ahead of their game against Villarreal.
The Red Devils delivered the sack to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday and appointed Michael Carrick as the caretaker. The former United midfielder joined the coaching set-up in 2018 under Jose Mourinho and has since remained a key figure.
Thus, it would have certainly startled him to take charge of the first team ahead of crunch games. Their Champions League aspirations could take a hit with a defeat to Villarreal on Tuesday, indicating the importance of the game.
But a convincing victory could put a lot of belief in the fans. Carrick addressed his long-term future as United manager ahead of the trip to Spain. He did not give much away and admitted that he will deal with the issue once it is at hand.
‘Well I think first and foremost it’s been literally a day, just over 24 hours since everything unfolded, and the game is not much further away in terms of time… I’ve not looked past that, but of course, we’ve got a game coming up after, big game on the weekend, but we’ll address that when we need to.’
The 40-year-old also revealed his expectations from the players for the Champions League game. He sees it as a new challenge and is looking forward to the game.
‘I haven’t got into the next couple of weeks at all. All about tomorrow night. A big game of football. For me, it is a new challenge, one I am looking forward to. Everything geared towards tomorrow night.’
Although sacking Solskjaer was the right decision, in the long run, it could cost the club dearly. Carrick has little to no experience of managing any club, let alone one with our stature. A defeat to Villarreal will put added pressure on the players, given that the board is yet to decide on a new manager.
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Moreover, they shall face league leaders Chelsea after their UCL tie, followed by a game against Arsenal. Thus, it is a demanding fixture list, and Carrick shall have to pull off a blinder if he hopes to instil some belief amongst fans of his abilities as a deputy to the first-team coach.
