Michael Carrick will take over the responsibilities of the Manchester United first team from the recently sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The ex-player, however, stated that his approach would not be too dissimilar to his predecessor’s.
Carrick, a key member of Ole Solskjaer’s coaching team at Manchester United, will take over the first-team duties while the club conducts a search for a new manager. Himself an ex-Man Utd player, the 40-year-old and his colleagues came under extreme scrutiny during the last few weeks of the Norwegian’s doomed spell, with their coaching pedigree called into question.
The Englishman will lead the team for the first time against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night. However, those expecting the implementation of a completely new approach are sure to be disappointed, with Carrick conforming to the media that his approach will not be too dissimilar to that of his predecessor.
“I’ve worked closely with Ole for a long time now and we do have very similar beliefs. We did as players and we certainly do as coaches,”
“Of course I’ve got my own personality but it’ll be very similar (to Solskjaer’s approach) because we worked together for so long.”
he said during the pre-match duties.
Carrick also expressed his delight at taking over as the head coach of his former club, albeit temporarily. The former central midfielder called the opportunity he has been presented a privilege while stating that he understands the challenge that comes with it.
“There is a responsibility here. It’s such a great club, it’s such a privilege to be working in whatever capacity, never mind the position I am in now,”
“I don’t take that lightly, I just throw myself into doing everything I can. Of course, it’s a limited time, but that’s the challenge and I’m relishing it.”
Villarreal awaits Manchester United in the Champions League, where a defeat could leave them in a precarious position heading into the final group stage matchday. Things don’t get any easier for Carrick after that as a trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea beckons.
