11 men have taken over Manchester United’s hottest ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The club has looked everywhere in an attempt to recreate its past success – from welcoming Ferguson’s colleague David Moyes to finding the glamor and personality of Jose Mourinho, none of the approaches have really paid off.
And, when the club tried to attract the young coach Ruben Amorim, who gained great fame in charge of Sporting Club de Portugal with the genius of his team, it soon became clear that innovation would not be the direction needed to gain fame.
Instead, 13 years have been removed from United’s last Premier League titleThe club decided to go the normal route. With former midfielder Michael Carrick, United will rely on the passion that Sir Alex has instilled in the club for more than two decades.
A similar plot emerged when former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought fastball to the club. Although loved by the Red Devils faithful, Solskjaer’s lack of domestic experience and over-reliance on the feel-good factor of having a well-known business driving it quickly culminated in his exit from the dugout.
Carrick has a unique perspective. After retiring in 2018 following 12 years as a player, the 44-year-old is the youngest of Ferguson’s old guard.
It’s Carrick, you know ❤️
🇾🇪 We are pleased to announce that Michael Carrick will continue as our coach, as he has signed a new contract.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 22, 2026
He previously took charge of the club on a temporary basis and oversaw three successful seasons as Middlesbrough manager. Despite failing to secure promotion to the Premier League at the Riverside and being forced out at the end, his stock remained high.
Is Carrick the last ingredient for Silverware?
Manchester United lost just two of 17 games between January and May 2026, beating rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and eventual league champions Arsenal during an unimaginable run of form over Christmas. Carrick’s influence cannot be overstated.
Prominent sports betting sites such as Yellow Bet Kenya had begun to name United as favorites to win the upcoming league games. In the same way, markets on which team will win the Champions League immediately showed a sharp change in the holdings of INEOS.
But important questions remain to be answered – United have fallen prey to red herrings before. Even the head coaches and managers who have led the club to tangible success have been shown the exit door.
What makes this joint different?
First on the docket is the balance. For too long, United have struggled to measure attacking prowess with defensive solidity or midfield reliability. The club now has Matthijs de Ligt in his prime and two top players who can contribute to more than 20 goals in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Most importantly, United have a Player of the Year winner Bruno Fernandes; the veteran Portugal midfielder is looking to win a third international trophy at the World Cup this summer.
Such a move would see the 31-year-old earn more silverware with Portugal than his current tally for United and, with Portugal struggling in all three World Cup group stage games against DR Congo (1.26), Uzbekistan (1.27) and Colombia (2.55), Fernandes and co. can offer real value in all free betting options during this summer’s tournament in North America.
While it’s true that Fernandes will have the support of his teammates throughout the World Cup, the fact that he could surpass his total of gold medals shows United’s woes. Players – especially those of Fernandes’ level – don’t win more at national level than at their clubs.
A season for the history books 📖@manutd’s Bruno Fernandes is @EASPORTSFC Player of the Season ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nj0wKjlpFv
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 23, 2026
When Fernandes returns to Carrington in pre-season, World Cup champion or not, he will return to a Manchester United team that is less reliant on one style of play; it is liquid. It can be relied upon to fight back and keep healthy leads.
That ability to instill faith won’t win titles on its own, but adapting to the games now could propel United to the highest level seen since Ferguson’s decade in charge.
