Michael Carrick has ‘extra role at Man United’ as talks held over major transfer deal

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has been involved in the club’s summer transfer plans, in what appears to be the biggest hint yet that the board truly value his input for the future

Michael Carrick is playing an active role in Manchester United’s summer transfer plans, despite only being under contract until the end of the season. The former midfielder stepped in to replace Ruben Amorim in January and has made a considerable impression during his tenure.

Despite Carrick only signing a short-term deal, he was unveiled as the club’s ‘head coach’ without being designated as an interim option. Nevertheless, it was apparent he had just a matter of months to persuade the hierarchy that he was the right man to steer the club forward.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick is amongst several key figures contributing to the recruitment team of Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell as they look to bring in a central midfielder this summer. Names including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton are understood to be on their radar.

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Carrick also confirmed his involvement in the decision to extend Harry Maguire’s stay at Old Trafford by a further year. “Certainly, in the role I’m in, there’s decisions that need taking care of. I said it as soon as I came here – I’m part of that and whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that,” he said.

From the outset, club legends such as Gary Neville and Roy Keane argued that United ought to look elsewhere for a more permanent appointment with greater experience. Yet Carrick’s growing influence suggests the club may not be so readily swayed.

United are well-positioned to clinch Champions League football and currently sit third in the Premier League. Seven victories, two draws and a solitary defeat since Carrick’s arrival have opened up a seven-point cushion over sixth place, with his side also holding a game in hand.

The former Middlesbrough manager steered his squad through a four-day training camp in the Republic of Ireland last week, and appears to have earned the wholehearted backing of his players. Amad and Bryan Mbeumo both spoke up in support of their head coach during a press conference, while Carrick himself has acknowledged the dressing room’s support.

“I think the most important thing for me about all that is that we’re all pulling in the same direction,” he said.

“Whatever’s said is going to be said, but I think the feeling, the willingness to do things together and to be positive, to be in a good place where we’re positive and hopefully winning games, for me, that’s the biggest thing really. After that, things will get solved in one way or another.

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“I think it’s nice for the boys to feel so positive and be in a good frame of mind that they’re enjoying the football. Obviously, we want that to continue as much as possible.”

Amad had described Carrick as the ‘right man’ for the role. “He’s been very great,” said the winger.

“He’s been doing so much for the team, he has a lot of experience, and he knows the club, so we think he’s the right man, but we are really happy for what he’s doing right now.”

Captain Bruno Fernandes has his sights set on more than just a strong finish to the current campaign, urging the club to transform Carrick’s recent upturn in form into a full season of sustained consistency.

“If we finish the way we want to finish, it’s going to look very good, but it’s still not the picture we want,” Fernandes said. “[Can we] be the team we’ve been in this spell, but for a full season? Because anyone can be good in spells. Being good in the whole season is much more difficult.

“That’s something we haven’t done since I’m here. We need that consistency. In a full league, every point matters. Every small detail will make a difference.”