Manchester United's new interim manager, Michael Carrick, has made an immediate and significant impact, both on and off the pitch. In his first match back in the dugout since a 2021 caretaker spell, Carrick masterminded a stunning 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Carrick's Major Call on £80m Defender Maguire
The win, which came just after the dismissal of previous boss Ruben Amorim, was notable for the inclusion of defender Harry Maguire. The £80million England international, whose contract expires in June 2026, had been frozen out under Amorim and the subject of transfer interest, notably from Inter Milan.
However, by selecting Maguire to start against Pep Guardiola's side, Carrick has sent a powerful message. Reports indicate the new boss, supported by his assistant Steve Holland who rates Maguire highly from England duty, is adamant the centre-back will not be sold this January. The club is poised to reject any offers, with Carrick viewing Maguire as part of his plans for the remainder of the season.
Ruud Gullit Urges Zirkzee to Force United Exit
While one player's future appears settled, another's is under intense scrutiny. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, a £37million signing at the start of the INEOS era, saw little action under Amorim. Despite earlier links with a move to Roma being cooled, his compatriot and football legend Ruud Gullit has publicly advised the 24-year-old to seek an exit.
"I saw that Roma maybe wanted to take him and I hope that he will leave," Gullit told Metro. "For me, there was always a doubt that it was the right decision to go to Manchester United... He was doing well with Bologna and I think he should have gone to a better team in Italy."
Gullit pointed to the transformative effect of leaving United, using the example of Scott McTominay's flourishing career post-Old Trafford to highlight his argument.
What This Means for United's Transfer Window
The early days of Carrick's tenure have therefore set a clear direction for the January window. The decision on Maguire represents a major shift in policy regarding a high-value asset, opting for stability and utilising existing squad depth. In contrast, the public pressure on Zirkzee from a figure like Gullit adds to the uncertainty surrounding the striker, who may now push for a loan or permanent move to revive his playing time.
Carrick's successful start has bought him immediate credibility, and these early personnel calls will be closely watched as United navigate the rest of the season and plan for a permanent managerial appointment in the summer.
