Michael Carrick has dismissed the notion that Manchester United has become a soulless club, insisting the 'magic' around Old Trafford remains intact as he begins his tenure as caretaker manager.
Carrick's Immediate Challenge: The Manchester Derby
The former United midfielder, who enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career at the club, was this week appointed boss until the end of the season. His first test is a monumental one: a Premier League clash against arch-rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
This fixture highlights the dramatic shift in power in Manchester over the past decade. Since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, City have finished above United in the league for 12 consecutive seasons. The current campaign follows a similar pattern, with Pep Guardiola's side sitting 11 points clear of a United team languishing in seventh place.
'I Feel The Magic,' Insists New United Boss
Despite the club's well-documented on-field struggles, Carrick was emphatic in rejecting the idea that the club's aura has faded. "I certainly don't think it's soulless," Carrick stated. "I think there's a magic around this place. I feel it. I feel at home straightaway, coming into the building."
He elaborated on his deep connection to the club, having spent years there as a player. "I've obviously been around it for quite some time and then missed a little window, but I think there's a magic around this place. You can't help but feel that," he added, reinforcing his belief in the enduring pull of Manchester United.
Planning Beyond The Short-Term Contract
Although his contract only runs until the summer, Carrick made it clear that his approach will not be purely short-term. He vowed to make decisions with the club's future in mind and did not completely shut the door on extending his stay if results go well.
"That doesn't change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long-term strategy of the group and the playing squad," Carrick explained. "I'm certainly not coming in thinking it's a time where week to week, game to game, we've got to get through it."
His immediate goal is to stabilise the team and build a positive atmosphere, but his vision looks further ahead. "I think we want to plan to improve beyond this season and however that looks at this moment, all I can control is what we give the players and how we create the atmosphere around the group," he concluded.
