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Cristiano Ronaldo Said It First: Michael Carrick Could Change ManchesterUnited
Cristiano Ronaldo had already backed Michael Carrick as a coach. Now, after wins over City and Arsenal as interim boss, that prediction is gaining new weight at Manchester United.
An Interim Spell That Restored Belief at Old Trafford
The arrival of Michael Carrick on the Manchester United bench, even on an interim basis, has had an immediate effect. In just two matches, the former midfielder has transformed the team’s mood with two high-profile victories: a 2–0 win over Manchester City in the derby and a 2–3 triumph against Arsenal at the Emirates, no less than the Premier League leaders.
Two results of real pedigree that have reignited hope at Old Trafford and placed the spotlight on a figure who had largely flown under the radar on the touchline.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Prophecy
Those victories have brought back a statement made by Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2021, when Carrick first took charge on a temporary basis.
“Nothing is impossible for Carrick. He can become a great coach,” the Portuguese star wrote at the time.
“He was an exceptional player and I’m proud to have played with him and to have had him as my coach,” CR7 added, in what felt like a symbolic farewell. Coincidentally, that first interim spell also ended with a 3–2 win over Arsenal, a detail that now reinforces the narrative.
Carrick, an Unexpected Arsenal Nemesis
The statistic is striking: since Mikel Arteta took charge, Arsenal have only lost two official matches in which they scored at least twice… both against teams coached by Carrick.
The current United interim boss had already built experience as an assistant under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as well as during his spell in charge of Middlesbrough. Now, he finds himself back at the center of attention.
A Divided Verdict Among United Legends
Not everyone is convinced. Roy Keane was blunt on Sky Sports:
“I’m not convinced he’s the right man for the job. They need a coach with a bigger name.”
The response was immediate. Rio Ferdinand, one of Carrick’s strongest supporters, pushed back forcefully:
“Saying he doesn’t deserve the opportunity is incredibly disrespectful. It’s madness.”
Support also came from Germany. Bastian Schweinsteiger added his voice: “Keep going, Michael Carrick. Keep going, Manchester United.”
Carrick’s contract expires in June. It may be too early to define his future, but the impact is already undeniable. And four years on, Cristiano Ronaldo’s words sound less like praise… and more like a warning.
