Carragher Doubts Carrick Can Lead Man United To Premier League, Champions League Glory
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has what it takes to lead the club to Premier League or UEFA Champions League glory.
Carragher acknowledged the progress made by Carrick, saying the former United midfielder has brought much-needed stability to the club and helped move them away from the constant turmoil of recent years.
However, the former England defender believes Carrick lacks the “stardust” required to win football’s biggest trophies.
“I personally just don’t think Michael Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League,” Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate.
Carragher stressed that he was not predicting failure for Carrick, praising the manager for the work he has done while suggesting that he could help United return to the level required to compete regularly in the Champions 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 said.
He added: “He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager.”
Carragher also expressed surprise that United did not move for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, despite the reported £85 million asking price.
“I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing,” he said.
Although admitting that £85 million is a substantial amount, Carragher argued that the current transfer market means top-quality midfielders are unlikely to be available for much less.
“I know £85m is a lot but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m,” he added.
Carragher acknowledged the progress made by Carrick, saying the former United midfielder has brought much-needed stability to the club and helped move them away from the constant turmoil of recent years.
However, the former England defender believes Carrick lacks the “stardust” required to win football’s biggest trophies.
“I personally just don’t think Michael Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League,” Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate.
Carragher stressed that he was not predicting failure for Carrick, praising the manager for the work he has done while suggesting that he could help United return to the level required to compete regularly in the Champions 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 said.
He added: “He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager.”
Carragher also expressed surprise that United did not move for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, despite the reported £85 million asking price.
“I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing,” he said.
Although admitting that £85 million is a substantial amount, Carragher argued that the current transfer market means top-quality midfielders are unlikely to be available for much less.
“I know £85m is a lot but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m,” he added.
