Luis Enrique: Why United could not land their “secret dream” head coach
Luis Enrique: Why United could not land their “secret dream” head coach Manchester United took a gamble with Michael Carrick in January, and it has turned out to be a masterstroke. The Red Devils were looking for someone to steady the ship after parting ways with Ruben Amorim midway through the season. The Portuguese head coach’s 14-month reign had failed to live up to expectations.
Amorim initially replaced former manager Erik ten Hag in November 2024 after a poor start to the season. However, the former Sporting manager had a mixed first six months at the Theatre of Dreams. He reached the Europa League final but lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, while the Red Devils ended the season in 15th place in the Premier League table.
Amorim survived the summer, and United even invested heavily in the transfer market. However, the English giants ultimately ended the Portuguese’s stay at the turn of the year, handing Carrick the reins of the first team. Carrick earned the permanent job United wanted someone to hold the fort until a more established manager took over at the end of the season.
INEOS opted for Carrick , who was part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff and had briefly managed the first team after the Norwegian’s departure. The Englishman was tasked with securing a top-four finish, which would enable qualification for next season’s Champions League. Carrick, however, defied expectation by guiding United to third place in the Premier League with a game remaining, thereby ensuring qualification for the premier European club competition.
United registered 11 wins and three draws in 16 games under the former midfielder, who gifted fans with exciting attacking football and loads of goals. Recent reports suggest that Carrick has already earned the permanent position, although an official announcement is pending. However, it now appears that the Red Devils wanted a two-time Champions League-winning manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer.