Lewis Hamilton influence on Michael Carrick’s Man Utd emerges as Jim Ratcliffe swings…
Lewis Hamilton influence on Michael Carrick’s Man Utd emerges as Jim Ratcliffe swings axe
Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach after less than a year in charge. The Old Trafford club turned to their former midfielder to take over on an interim basis in January, when Ruben Amorim was axed. He managed to get the Red Devils firing and guided them to third place in the Premier League, winning the club a place in the Champions League this season. But only one league win in 10 to start this campaign has left United in the relegation zone and the club has now officially relieved Carrick of his duties.
The former England midfielder departs with the sympathy of much of the United fanbase. Others at the club, including the players, owners the Glazer Family, chief Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have all come in for much harsher criticism than Carrick.
Still, it remains to be seen how this acrimonious end to his tenure at Old Trafford will affect his managerial career. Before accepting the United role, Carrick was praised for the job he did at Middlesbrough in the championship.
Part of his work at the Riverside included inspiring the Boro players and he spoke of how he did so with the help of a Lewis Hamilton quotes. Carrick name-checked the seven-time Formula One world champion as he gave some insight into the mentality he wants his players to have.
He said: “I say it to the lads at Middlesbrough all the time, they are probably sick of me saying it but I read an unbelievable quote from Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton said, ‘If I feel comfortable in the car, I’m not driving fast enough.’ Don’t ever be comfortable, because if you are comfortable you are not pushing enough.
That was always the case at United [as a player], when you came back for pre-season. That feeling of, ‘What’s next?’ So I never actually felt settled because there was always something to push for.”
Sadly, that approach has not helped Carrick to enjoy anything close to the success that Hamilton has had in F1. He and his backroom staff were both given their marching orders on Thursday during a meeting with United CEO Berrada, after arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground.
An official statement was then issued by the club confirming that the coaching staff had been relieved of their duties. “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” it read.
Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period. After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered. The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
That successor is likely to be Mauricio Pochettino. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is currently head coach of the USA national team, but looks is set to walk away from the USMNT to become the latest to try to get United firing on the pitch.
