Louis Saha: Carrick understands Manchester United’s DNA

Michael Carrick’s early impact at Manchester United has reignited a familiar debate among supporters: should a club steeped in tradition look to its past to shape its future?

Carrick, a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most successful sides, has enjoyed a remarkable start to life in the dugout, with United showing renewed balance, confidence and cohesion in recent weeks. Former United striker Louis Saha has been watching closely and believes Carrick’s understanding of the club’s identity is already shining through.

We caught up with Saha to discuss Carrick’s tactical intelligence, his potential as a long-term manager, how he compares to Ruben Amorim, and whether United could once again become a destination for the game’s biggest stars.

Carrick’s football intelligence was always clear

Saha admits he didn’t initially picture Carrick as a future Premier League manager during their playing days together, but says the signs were always there when it came to his football brain.

“Honestly, I didn’t see him becoming a manager, but I definitely think he knows every department of the game,” Saha explained. “Midfielders have a duty to understand attacking and defending. They have a special place in the game, so it was always possible for him to become a manager.

“He wasn’t vocal when we played together, but he’s clearly been able to change his personality.”

Carrick’s education at Old Trafford, surrounded by elite midfielders and guided by Ferguson, is something the Frenchman feels has clearly shaped his coaching approach.“In terms of the quality of his brain, he was one of the best,” he added. “He played alongside the very best, especially Paul Scholes, and playing under Sir Alex Ferguson can only improve you.

“I’m not surprised he’s a manager now. You can see he’s brought back the beauty of our memories and past Manchester United teams, the combative side of the game, resilience, confidence, and the technical quality too.”

“It’s very, very good to see the smiles on the players’ faces. That tells you they’re playing with freedom, not overthinking, and with the right tactical ideas, especially in the first four games.”

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Balance is the biggest difference between Carrick and Amorim

Carrick’s spell has inevitably drawn comparisons with Ruben Amorim’s tenure, and Saha believes the key distinction lies in control and balance.

“The biggest difference between Carrick and Amorim has been the balance Carrick has found in games. Take Fulham, for example, a fixture you expect to dominate, but one that’s been difficult for United in recent years.”
“Tottenham are always a threat as well and have outpowered United in recent seasons.”

Under Carrick, however, the former French international sees a calm authority returning to United’s football.

“There’s a calmness, confidence, arrogance, but also simplicity to the way United are playing. We all know how immense Carrick and Scholes were at dictating tempo, and you’re seeing that reflected now.

“This is about having good players, but also knowing where to go with the ball and trusting the process.”

“Under Amorim, the players didn’t seem to trust the system or fully understand it. He struggled to get performances over 95 minutes.

“Now there’s consistency. United dominate physically and technically. That balance is exactly what you need.”

With players thriving across the pitch, Saha believes United are becoming an entirely new force.

“Players like Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes are playing well, but the key thing is that everyone is playing at a high level, high tempo and with high confidence.

“That’s very hard to contain. Opposition teams won’t be able to live with United for 95 minutes because of the quality and the pressing.”

Does Carrick deserve the job full-time?

While speculation continues over United’s long-term managerial plans, Saha is clear that his former teammate should not be overlooked.

“I would love to see Michael given the chance.He’s done very well. He’s hardworking but humble as well. The results are going for him, but it’s not just the results, it’s the way the team is playing. You can see the change straight away. He’s had the biggest impact since Sir Alex Ferguson.”

“He does provide an answer to the question about the next manager. Out of necessity, I think they need to think about Carrick very, very, very seriously.”

However, he also acknowledges the scale of the job and the scrutiny that comes with it.

“We know the expectations are huge. Sometimes clubs want to see a long-term plan. Is this just a spell where everything is going well for Carrick? Who knows how he reacts when he’s under more pressure.”

“That challenge may be what he needs to be truly considered for the full-time role. I don’t know.”

What the ex-Man Utd striker is certain about is Carrick’s understanding of United.

“He understands the DNA of the club. He’s been under pressure before — maybe not as a manager, but as a player. He’s seen how managers react because he was part of the coaching staff. He’s not a rookie.”

“But when names like Ancelotti or Zidane come into the conversation, it becomes a different ball game.”

Could Carrick attract Vinícius Jr to Old Trafford?

With reports suggesting Vinícius Jr’s future at Real Madrid may be uncertain, Saha believes a resurgent United could once again attract the very best - especially if Champions League football is secured.

“Nothing is too big when Manchester United are playing the way they are. They can attract any big name.”

“Vinícius is a Ballon d’Or contender. He’s someone who wants to shine, to be in the Champions League, to win individual trophies. I know that.”

In light of this, Saha feels Carrick’s style could be an ideal platform for Vinicius Jr.

“Who knows? That could be a very attractive combination. This team we’re seeing week in, week out under Carrick, playing very attractive football. It could give a player like Vinícius Jr a completely new platform.”

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