Man Utd get clear Michael Carrick verdict as Zinedine Zidane ‘agreement reached’ | Football | Sport

Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin has urged his old side not to make the error of replacing Michael Carrick when the season concludes. Carrick has enjoyed a remarkable beginning to his second stint in the Old Trafford dugout. Appointed as Ruben Amorim’s interim replacement until the end of the season, the ex-midfielder has returned to management and already positioned United favourably in the battle for Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils are yet to taste defeat under Carrick, claiming victory in five of their six matches, with notable triumphs against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham among them. Currently occupying fourth spot, they trail third-placed Aston Villa by just three points. Despite it being common knowledge that United’s senior figures plan to bring in a permanent manager during the summer, momentum is building for Carrick to receive the role on a long-term basis.

Speaking to OLBG, Dublin has indicated that handing Carrick the position permanently could prove a wise decision.

He said: “I think you have to leave it as it is because if it’s working, then don’t mess with it. You know, don’t tinker with it.

“The players seem to be on board with Michael. They seem to be enjoying themselves, which is most importantly, they seem to be enjoying their football again. He’s getting good results.

“The energy levels from the players and body language is very different. The dressing room seems to believe that what they’re doing is the right thing.

“I suppose the question is, can he keep it going? Well, what manager can do that? What manager can consistently win and win and win? I just think you leave it as it is.

“United at this present time, and it hasn’t been for years, is stable. It’s stable, it’s strong.

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“And when you watch Man United now, and I’ve been in the stands a few times at some of Michael’s matches, it’s like watching Man United, which is very odd. It hasn’t been like that for a long time.”

Dublin recognised that United will undoubtedly consider high-profile names like Zinedine Zidane, yet he remains convinced Carrick has demonstrated his ability to perform admirably at Old Trafford.

“But the biggest and the best allegedly have had a go,” he explained. “They’ve had a go before Michael and it just hasn’t worked, you know.

“The best up and coming, the best coaches, the best football, the best results in Portugal, the best results in Germany, whatever it may be, they’re all getting the best results, but who’s done what Michael’s done?

“While you’ve got a vehicle moving forward smoothly with great results, leave it alone. Leave it alone. Let it carry on moving forward. How far could it go? It’s down to the players and Michael.”

Dublin’s remarks regarding Zidane follow claims made earlier this month that he has reached a verbal agreement to take charge as the next head coach of the French national side.

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