Man Utd Hero Cristiano Ronaldo Has Already Cast Strong Verdict on Michael Carrick as a Coach

Cristiano Ronaldo has previously delivered a strong verdict on former Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick’s coaching abilities. As the search for Ruben Amorim’s successor enters its second week following his dismissal on January 5, it now appears the Red Devils’ hierarchy could be edging towards naming Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season.

Initially, it had seemed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or caretaker Darren Fletcher might take the reins, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe may now be leaning towards Carrick. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the retired midfielder - widely regarded as one of the most underrated players in Premier League history - is ready to 'say yes' to any offers that come his way.

Carrick’s only permanent managerial role came at Middlesbrough, where he won 16 of his first 23 matches, freeing the Riverside Stadium side from the spectre of relegation. However, his second season failed to build on the promise of playoff football, and he departed in June 2025 after having also served as United's caretaker in 2021, where he briefly oversaw a dressing room featuring Ronaldo.

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The 44-year-old is emerging as the leading candidate to become Manchester United’s new caretaker manager.

Ronaldo's Thoughts on Michael Carrick's Coaching Ability Resurface

On 21 November 2021, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick was named caretaker manager. His first match, a Champions League tie at Villarreal, ended in a win thanks to late goals from Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, confirming United’s place in the last 16. After a 3-2 victory over Arsenal on 2 December, Carrick stepped down following Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as interim manager, who remained in charge for the rest of the season.

Although his duties in the Old Trafford cockpit were short-lived, Ronaldo had no doubt that Carrick had the potential to become a successful head coach. He wrote on X following Rangnick's appointment (see the post below):

"Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench."

During his Premier League career, Ronaldo played alongside Carrick 127 times, with the duo achieving an impressive 2.27 points per game - the highest among any of Carrick’s teammates he featured with at least 50 times. Based on his previous comments, Ronaldo will likely be eager to see how Carrick fares in a second caretaker role at the club.

Carrick's Managerial Style

Carrick’s intelligence and awareness were praised by former manager Louis van Gaal, who called him his “trainer coach during the game.” His impact was also lauded by teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, as well as Champions League rivals Xavi and Xabi Alonso.

In 2015, The Telegraph ranked him number one on their list of “The top 20 most underrated footballers of all time,” describing him as an “unassuming but highly intelligent and technically gifted deep-lying midfielder” who “has consistently performed well.” Much of that high praise has continued into his young coaching career.

The 44-year-old's coaching style emphasises calm, possession-based football focused on dominating space, building from the back with a passing goalkeeper, and creating overloads in attack that overwhelm the opposition defence.

His style should bring out the best of the likes of Benjamin Sesko, who has already managed to score three goals since Amorim was shown the exit door, while there should be a lot less confusion and space between defence, midfield, and attack, which Carrick's predecessor was too stubborn to address in his not-so-trusty 3-4-3 system.