Since his return to Old Trafford in mid-January to take over from Ruben Amorim on an interim basis until the end of the season, Michael Carrick has guided the team to an impressive run of results. In seven Premier League matches, the former Red Devils midfielder has secured six victories, bagging 19 out of a possible 21 points.
This stellar performance has propelled Manchester United into third place in the league table, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference and with a three-point cushion over Liverpool, who currently sit in fifth. With ten league fixtures remaining, Carrick has put the team in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification, a feat they haven't achieved in three years.
One of the most notable changes has been the abolition of the policy that required players to train the day after matches. Carrick opted to grant designated rest days within 24 hours of a game, rescheduling recovery sessions for two days after the final whistle – a departure from Amorim's approach. This move has been well-received by the squad, who can now savour a victory before returning to work.
Wes Brown, who represented Manchester United on over 350 occasions, believes this change has had a positive effect on the group. Speaking to The Mirror, the former player lauded Carrick's decision, describing it as an "extra bonus."
"It's like a little extra bonus, if you want to put it that way. And I think it's something that can work in football, as long as it's done the right way. You can get a reaction like we've had at Manchester United," Brown stated, adding: "It's a very tough season, in the sense that there are a lot of games. But if you look at when Michael came in, we only have the Premier League now. There are many other teams still in other competitions, and I don't think that extra day is going to hurt anyone."
Carrick's excellent start has fueled speculation about the possibility of him becoming Ruben Amorim's permanent successor in the summer. When asked if the current interim boss should be given the job full-time, Brown had no doubt that Carrick has positioned himself as a prime candidate.
"Well, first of all, he's definitely put his name right at the top of that list, if there even is a list anymore. Sometimes, I always say: why change something if it's working?" he commented. "He had a great spell at Middlesbrough. People will say it wasn't the Premier League, but with the team he had, with very young players, he did a very good job. The only thing I would say is that if he doesn't get the job, we'll be bringing someone new in again. Everything changes, in the sense that the coaching staff changes. Nobody really knows the manager," he explained.