Michael Carrick backed to be Man Utd’s permanent manager by World Cup winner

Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season in January, and his early results have kept the conversation alive about whether he should be backed long-term.

That debate has also been amplified this week after Paul Scholes’ Instagram post sparked backlash and was widely interpreted as a dig at Carrick, before Scholes later clarified that he had messaged Carrick and meant no personal criticism.

We caught up with former Manchester United midfielder and 2002 World Cup winner Kleberson to discuss Carrick’s future, potential summer targets and which profiles he believes fit the club’s next phase.

Kleberson backs Carrick to be the permanent manager

Asked whether Carrick has shown enough to keep the job, Kleberson believes the interim boss understands what it takes to rebuild standards at Old Trafford.

“When Manchester United fired Ruben Amorim and brought Michael Carrick as the interim I said it’s a good choice. Picking Michael for United is good because he knows how to build a solid base for United. He will make them feel like the old United and the glory days from years ago with Sir Alex Ferguson. He knows this story and he’s a former player. In the dressing room when he speaks to the players he’s going to pass on the things he learned. That’s the base he can create and that's why they’ve started to win games and so many players have changed.”

With Scholes’ comments creating noise around Carrick’s position, the Brazilian’s view is firmly in the opposite direction — he feels Carrick is already changing the mood and mentality in the group.

“They’re playing positively and they're brave and want to play more. Years ago I saw United players in training and when they went into the games they said they felt the pressure. Now you can see the guys saying it’s a game. Let’s go and play the way the coach wants us to play and we’re the best.”

Kleberson added that United should avoid another reset and instead give Carrick a full pre-season and squad input.

“I don’t think they should bring a new manager because he’s doing the job. If they have the opportunity to give it to him and bring in the players he wants with a pre-season, it would be a good decision for the future. He knows United. He's been inside for many years. Players will sit in the locker room and feel they can’t act in a certain way because he’s played for United for many years and he earns their respect.”

“I’d love to see Bruno Guimaraes replace Casemiro”

United have been linked with midfield additions ahead of the summer, and Kleberson named one player he believes would fit seamlessly into the side.

"I'd love to see Bruno Guimaraes replace Casemiro at Man Utd. I don't want Casemiro to leave Man Utd but Bruno at Man Utd and Old Trafford, it would be so good. He's a player who can adapt so easily to new things. That's why he's done well at Newcastle and played well for Brazil."

He believes Guimaraes’ style would translate quickly at Old Trafford, highlighting the all-round value Guimaraes brings, particularly in controlling transitions and contributing in the final third.

"His style will really connect at Man Utd. I hope that it happens because he would be a great signing for Man Utd."

"He's a guy who does the job. He's the one who anticipates mistakes and fixes them, both offense and defense. He drops back to the defenders, he has good quality and vision with the ball and in the final third, he's class - he can shoot from outside the box, get inside the box, cross it well. He's not a vocal leader but he fixes what can go wrong on the field. That's what I really enjoy seeing from him."

“Rashford is the past” — but Palmer is “interesting”

With United also expected to review wide options, Kleberson commented on Marcus Rashford’s future following his season at Barcelona and whether a return should be considered.

“Rashford is the past. The things he did for Manchester United were great. He’s had a tough life at times but he’s in a good vibe at Barcelona. It’s a different lifestyle for him. He’s in a good feeling right now.”

He also gave his view on the type of attacking midfielder United should target, and why Cole Palmer stands out.

“Cole Palmer is interesting. He knows how to play close to the box. He shows up in big games and those kinds of players are important. It’s a risk to bring him from Chelsea to United because of the situation with the fans and the money but he’s the kind of player I enjoy to see and I would like to see him at Old Trafford.’

Vinicius Jr. should stay at Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr. continues to be linked with the Premier League, but Kleberson believes a move to England — and United specifically — would not suit the winger’s strengths.

"I think Vinicius' style is a little bit different to what Man Utd want. I think Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid, that's his house and has been for many, many years. Fans love him and I know it can be a little up and down for him sometimes but the style he plays, at Madrid it's better."

He pointed to how compact the Premier League can be, and how that impacts dribble-heavy wide players.

"I know in England it's a little bit difficult for him as it's so compact. The Premier League is also more focused on combinations you know, as opposed to individual brilliance. Quick passing, great finishes from outside the box. Vinicius Jr. likes to drive with the ball into traffic, dribble past players and shoot. When that kind of players go to the Premier League, it's different because everything is compact. You don't have space to drive to the opponents."

The 2002 World Cup winner added that the league’s emphasis on running in behind defensive lines doesn’t naturally match Vinicius’ game.

"Attacking behind the defense on the long ball is more prevalent in the Premier League and that's not Vinicius Jr's style, to receive the ball behind the defense. He's the guy who drives with the ball at his feet and finds combinations. That's my concern if he moves to Man Utd or the Premier League. To be honest, I prefer him staying at Real Madrid and continuing his journey there."

Matheus Cunha looks best when United are “synchronized”

Matheus Cunha’s first season at Old Trafford has included flashes of quality, and he currently has six goals and two assists in 26 Premier League appearances. Kleberson praised his compatriot’s performances and bravery this season.

"One thing I really enjoy about Cunha is that he is a brave player. He's really brave. When he drops and receives the ball with his back to the goal, he's really brave, likes to take a turn and connect and get inside the box. He's not the player who goes in for contact, but he's the guy who really likes to move the ball side-to-side."

He believes Cunha’s impact is heavily tied to how well United’s shape and possession structure functions behind him.

"When Man Utd start to get in good shape and good possession, these football players have begun to show more. The thing for Cunha when he's on the field, when things are going wrong, it's impossible to see the best from him. But when the team is synchronized, when the CB is in position, when the full-back is in position, the midfield is positioned well, the ball will come cleanly for Cunha. And that's where he's really good because he's brave. His first touch is very good, his finishing is very good. He's not an aerial threat but he can open the game for the teams and that's why I really enjoy watching him."

Looking Ahead:

Carrick has not only lifted the mood and quality at Old Trafford, he has lifted the team above Aston Villa who were briefly touted as Premier League title contenders. They sit level on points and play each other at the weekend. Manchester United are the clear favourites at home and if you back them to open a gap on Villa, you can claim some free bets in the process using our bet365 bonus code to sign up.