Gary Neville has made his stance crystal clear on Michael Carrick’s interim spell as Manchester United boss, insisting there should be no discussion for now about the former midfielder taking the job on a permanent basis regardless of results, Softfootball reports.
Speaking on The Overlap Podcast alongside Jamie Carragher, Neville addressed the situation following Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach, after Ruben Amorim parted ways with the club earlier last week. Carragher posed the question of whether a strong end to the season should put Carrick in contention for the role long-term, but Neville was emphatic in his response.
Carrick’s appointment came after a brief spell in charge for Darren Fletcher, who oversaw two matches following Amorim’s dismissal a FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton and a 2–2 Premier League draw against Burnley.
United had explored other options before settling on Carrick, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær understood to have made himself available for a potential return to the club. However, the hierarchy ultimately opted for Carrick to steady the ship for the remainder of the campaign.
According to The Overlap Podcast, Neville said:
There cannot be any consideration that Michael [Carrick] takes the job beyond this season.
Look, to be fair, I’ve got a lot of time for Ole, a lot of time for Ruud, a lot of time for Michael Carrick. I think they are three great lads and I hope he does really well.
But that cannot be any consideration — for Michael and for the club. Even if he wins every game.
We could be sat at the end of the season where he’s done unbelievably well, the fans are up, we’re in Champions League places or fifth or whatever, and we could all get swayed by it.
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Neville’s words reflect a wider belief that United must avoid short-term emotion and instead focus on a long-term strategic appointment as they look to reset after another turbulent season.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult campaign, already knocked out of all domestic cup competitions, leaving league position as their only remaining objective. United currently sit 7th in the Premier League after 21 games, with 32 points, just three points off fourth place, currently occupied by champions Liverpool.
With Champions League qualification still within reach, Carrick’s task is clear: stabilise performances, restore confidence, and give United the best possible chance to salvage something meaningful from an otherwise disappointing season — even if his role is strictly temporary.
