Cristiano Ronaldo had already trusted Michael Carrick’s work at Manchester United

Michael Carrick has stormed back into the Manchester United dugout with a level of authority that few could have predicted. In just a matter of days, the interim manager has shifted from a mere "emergency solution" to the focal point of a massive debate at Old Trafford—one that many thought had been settled years ago. As it turns out, the "Carrick-ball" era of 2026 is proving that some stories deserve a second, more permanent chapter.

The United side Carrick inherited just two weeks ago was a shadow of its former self, languishing in mid-table and lacking identity. The transformation was instantaneous. First, Carrick masterminded a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the derby, a result that sent shockwaves through the league.

But he didn't stop there. This past Sunday, United took the Emirates Stadium by storm, securing a vibrant 3-2 win against the league-leading Arsenal. With a 87th-minute stunner from Matheus Cunha, Carrick became the first manager since 2010 to beat the top two teams in the Premier League in back-to-back matches. Beyond the points, the team has rediscovered a sense of competitive "bite" and structural order that had vanished under the previous regime.

As Carrick’s stock skyrockets, a forgotten social media post from Cristiano Ronaldo has resurfaced, taking on a hauntingly accurate meaning. Back in December 2021, following Carrick’s first interim stint, the Portuguese legend took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a reflection:

"Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy."

At the time, many dismissed it as a simple gesture of camaraderie. Today, after Carrick repeated his 3-2 "magic trick" against Arsenal for a second time, Ronaldo’s words look like a blueprint. Ronaldo praised Carrick’s intelligence and his ability to command a dressing room—qualities that are now propelling United back into the Top 4.

There is a curious pattern developing that must be keeping Mikel Arteta awake at night. Statistics show that the Arsenal boss has a "Carrick problem." Between their days as rival midfielders and their current roles in the dugout, Carrick has consistently had Arteta’s number. As a manager, Carrick holds a flawless record against the Spaniard, winning both high-stakes encounters by the same 3-2 scoreline.

The resurgence under Carrick has sparked a "civil war" among Manchester United’s most vocal legends. Roy Keane, ever the skeptic, has expressed his disdain on Sky Sports, arguing that United needs a manager with "greater international pedigree" and criticizing the inexperience of the coaching staff—specifically the appointment of Jonny Evans to the bench.

In the opposite corner, Rio Ferdinand has fired back with fury on his podcast. "The disrespect is unbelievable," Ferdinand claimed, defending Carrick’s right to be considered for the permanent role. Even international icons like Bastian Schweinsteiger have joined the fray, publicly celebrating the "feel-good factor" that Carrick has restored to the Theatre of Dreams.

With his contract expiring in June, the future of the Manchester United bench remains an open wound. However, in just a handful of matches, Michael Carrick has changed the climate of the club and forced a conversation that seemed closed. Whether he is a "patch" or the permanent "architect," one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo was right. Nothing is impossible for Michael Carrick.