Carrick planning ahead despite future uncertainty
Michael Carrick is taking part in Manchester United's planning for 2026-2027, even as uncertainty shrouds his long-term future as the Red Devils' head coach.
Carrick has had a seismic impact on United's fortunes since returning for his second spell as its interim boss in January, after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Since the former midfielder took the reins on 13 January, United has won seven, drawn two and lost only one of its 10 Premier League matches.
Its 23 points collected in that time are the most in the Premier League, yet there has still been no announcement as to whether Carrick will remain in charge next season.
But Carrick was involved in the discussions that led to Harry Maguire signing a new one-year contract earlier this week, and ahead of Tuesday's (AEST) clash with old rival Leeds United, he said he will continue to participate in the club's long-term planning.
"Certainly, in the role I'm in, there are decisions that need taking care of," Carrick said.
"I said it as soon as I came here; I'm part of that, and whatever that looks like moving forward, I'm part of it.
"I'm trying to improve things and make things better all the time. Certainly, there's conversations about different directions and different things that I'm part of.
"And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need to be done. So I'm here to take care of that."
It is now confirmed that a spot in the top five would be enough for UEFA Champions League qualification, and that additional breathing room has been welcomed at Old Trafford.
"It's great. It's where we want to be, first and foremost, not so much for the other teams, but it is important," Carrick said. "The more opportunities we have for that, the better.
"We would obviously like to finish as high up the league as we possibly can, and to have so many English teams involved in that competition, pushing, it then benefits other teams in the league.
"But overall, we get quite selfish when it comes to things like that. It is where we want to be for ourselves, more than anything."
Leeds coach Daniel Farke believes his side's FA Cup run will not serve as a distraction from its Premier League relegation fight but instead provide confidence ahead of facing United.
"We take lots of confidence from it," Farke said. "I can guarantee no one is distracted right now about the FA Cup semi-finals. I will make sure after this press conference, no one speaks about it.
"There is no excuse for not being focused on the next three games.
"It's definitely a positive. You just have to look in the eyes of the people for how much it means to them.
"It's a different competition. It doesn't help us in terms of points for the Premier League, but there's no replacement for wins and this winning feeling."
Carrick rarely got to experience the clubs' rivalry on the pitch, but he is expecting a tough test for his side, which has not been in action since 21 March (AEST).
"I think they are a really good team. I think Daniel [Farke] has adapted from when they were in the Championship, and I was at Middlesbrough," Carrick said.
"They are a really dangerous team who have evolved in certain things, adapted in certain things. But I think they have had a really good season, and they don't give a lot away, especially recently.
"They have defended really well, and it will be a tough game, a really tough game."
