Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has expressed doubt about Michael Carrick's ability to lead Manchester United to a Premier League or Champions League title, citing a lack of "stardust" in his managerial approach. Carragher believes Carrick has done a commendable job stabilizing the club and returning them to Champions League contention, but suggests he may not be the manager to deliver the ultimate silverware.
Carrick, who took over as permanent manager this summer after a successful interim spell, guided Manchester United to a third-place finish last season, securing Champions League qualification. This has generated optimism among fans for a league title challenge, the club's first since 2013.
"I don't believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he's done a really good job," Carragher said on The Overlap Fan Debate. "He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager."
Carragher also pointed to Manchester United's transfer dealings, suggesting the club erred by not pursuing former West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who has since joined Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester United reportedly balked at Fernandes's £85 million asking price.
"I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing," Carragher stated. "I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn’t go for Fernandes. They said it was too expensive but was it that expensive? I know £85m is a lot but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m."
Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has identified the defense as a persistent issue for the club. Scholes believes the current center-backs lack the quality needed to win the Premier League and highlighted concerns about the fitness of key players like Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
"Centre halves are still a problem," Scholes commented. "Manchester United still need better centre halves – the current players don't have the quality, where I am judging Manchester United, to go on and win the Premier League. You need centre halves who are reliable every single week."
Scholes also noted the ongoing injury struggles of Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined with a back injury since November. He suggested that if fit, de Ligt would be the team's best center-back, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his availability. Leny Yoro's adaptation to the Premier League level was also questioned by Scholes.