Michael Carrick, who served as Manchester United's caretaker head coach for a brief period, has been named on the six-man shortlist for the Premier League Manager of the Season award. The inclusion has raised eyebrows across the footballing world, given his limited time in the dugout compared to his fellow nominees who have overseen full campaigns.
Carrick stepped into the managerial role following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in late November. During his interim spell, he managed Manchester United for three competitive matches. His tenure began with a crucial 2-0 victory away at Villarreal in the Champions League, securing the club's place in the knockout stages. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, where United secured a valuable point. His final game in charge saw a 3-2 home victory against Arsenal in the Premier League, before Ralf Rangnick took over as interim manager.
The former Manchester United midfielder's record as caretaker manager stands at two wins and one draw across all competitions, an unbeaten run that provided a temporary uplift in the team's performance and morale. This short but effective period has seemingly been enough to catch the attention of the Premier League panel, placing him alongside managers who have guided their teams through an entire season of ups and downs.
The other nominees on the prestigious shortlist are expected to include managers whose teams have achieved sustained success throughout the season, such as those challenging for the title or securing European qualification. The criteria for the award typically consider tactical prowess, leadership, and the overall impact on a team's performance and league position over the course of the full 38-game season.
Carrick's nomination highlights the significant immediate impact he had on the Manchester United squad during a turbulent period. While his time as a primary decision-maker was brief, the results he secured were undoubtedly positive, helping to stabilise the club before the arrival of a more permanent interim solution. His inclusion on such a high-profile list, despite managing only a handful of games, underscores the perceived quality of his short spell in charge.