Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterMichael Carrick has wanted to be Manchester United head coach ever since he played his 464th and final game for them aged 36 in 2018 and moved into coaching.Aware of Carricks desire to become a coach, Man Uniteds then-manager Jose Mourinho presented him with a whistle and a role in training. Now actually being in charge is more than a job to Carrick.He cares deeply about the responsibility which is why defeat in the Manchester Derby, the manner of the loss and the result itself, will hurt deeply.HENRY WINTER: 'Michael Carrick is hurting after Manchester Derby defeat'Carrick is a composed character, a very measured individual, reflecting his thoughtful playing style. But it was easy to detect his hurt in all the interviews he conducted afterwards. It was in his eyes, in his tone and in the words themselves. It was easy to sense his frustration and anger at VARs failure to consider that Enzo Fernandez was impacting on Lisandro Martinez and Senne Lammens and therefore offside.If that's the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that's really worrying for me, Carrick told the BBC. It's a staggering explanation. Man United received an apology from Pro Ref that the officials got it wrong. He was let down by VAR. You may like Michael Carrick has done the minimum required so far at Manchester United: now the work REALLY begins Manchester United treble winner reveals pressure on Michael Carrick is already 'huge' It wasnt always sumptuous, fantastic, breathtaking football, but there was more of a mental toughness Gary Pallister on Carricks start as Manchester United manager, and the opportunity to build from here Its what Carrick said next that needs scrutiny. The decision isn't going to change the season but it's had a major impact on the game, he said. Two things, firstly on it could change the season. It does. It whips up more doubt around Carrick so early in this season. He deserved the job after steering the club back into the Champions League. Owners will always consider that the first priority in a season because of the �100m attraction.Carrick also got the job because of the absence of heavyweight alternatives. Potential candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann hardly enhanced their reputations at the World Cup.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Some perspective is required, patience too. Of the new managers at the bigger Premier League clubs: Enzo Maresca was given a vastly superior squad to Carrick so life was always going to be smoother for the new City leader; Xabi Alonso has a defence to sort out at Chelsea; and Andoni Iraola is taking time to impose his ideas on Liverpool.Roberto De Zerbi did well to keep Tottenham Hotspur up last season but they are struggling in 17th despite spending �344m. Unai Emery is having to do a rebuild at 19th-placed Aston Villa who have one point from four; there is increased scrutiny on Emery as these are, by and large, all his recruits.All of these are good managers and deserve time. The ever-quickening news agenda, and hunger for headline content, doesnt help. What to read next Manchester United players tell Michael Carrick exact tactical change he must make Manchester United bordered on challenging under Michael Carrick, but can the now permanent manager prevent the Red Devils from their usual backslide in his first complete season? Manchester United 2026-27 season preview Forget right-backs in midfield, Arsenals five-on-two shows Chelseas system is the problem There should be a desire to support a home-grown coach like Carrick (and full transparency, I helped him write his 2018 book). I know how much he genuinely cares about his club, the staff, players and fans. But Carrick does deserve scrutiny. He mentions, secondly, the goal having a major impact on the game but the bigger impact was Uniteds failure to exploit their numerical advantage when Phil Foden was sent off after 23 minutes.There has to be sympathy for Carrick over the City goal and the clubs failure to give him the defenders, especially full-backs, that he needs. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu are simply not good enough. Their flaws, such as failing to clear properly, had a major impact on the game. But Carricks in-game management wasnt good enough. Hes not to blame for Bryan Mbeumo wasting an inviting chance late on but Carrick was outwitted by Maresca, whose changes were far more intelligent and productive. Iliman Ndiaye came on for Rayan Cherki at the break and, along with Antoine Semenyo, stayed high and stretched United. Marescas boldness paid off.Carrick, bafflingly, waited for 45 minutes after Fodens exit to sharpen his attack with Benjamin Sesko. Until then, Carrick preferred the false 9 approach of Matheus Cunha. Sesko replaced Youri Tielemans with the No 10 space becoming crowded with Cunha and Bruno Fernandes (who did drop slightly deeper). Why not keep the balance and withdraw Cunha not Tielemans?If Carrick has concerns about Seskos match sharpness or his quality then he could simply have switched Marcus Rashford and Cunha. Set City another challenge. Unleash Rashfords pace through the middle. Cunha also enjoys that left sided No 10 role, albeit tucked in more than Rashford.The sight of Foden going off so early at Old Trafford should have been the signal to go for the jugular. Seize the moment. Go for victory even more. Attack, attack, attack. Get a psychologically important win, not only vital for local pride but also to disperse some of the clouds gathering during Uniteds unconvincing start to the season. Only Kobbie Mainoo rose to the challenge. Carrick didnt enough. He can reflect and learn. But also its far too early in the season for knee-jerk reactions. As with other managers, Carrick deserves time.TOPICSMichael CarrickManchester UnitedManchester CityPremier LeagueHenry WinterSocial Links NavigationWriterHenry Winter is one of football's most popular and respected writers. Previously the Chief Football Writer for The Times and a Football Correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, his work now primarily features on his Substack. He has also lauched his own podcast 'The Winter View'
