Michael Carrick says Manchester United retains its magic as he begins his short-term managerial role, focusing on long-term improvement.
MICHAEL Carrick says Manchester United retains its magic as he begins his short-term managerial role, focusing on long-term improvement.
MANCHESTER: Michael Carrick believes the allure of Manchester United has endured despite years of on-field decline as he begins his short-term managerial stint.
The former United midfielder was appointed boss until the season’s end and faces a tough start against Manchester City this Saturday.
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City have finished above United for the past 12 consecutive seasons and currently lead them by 11 points in the Premier League.
Carrick, however, rejected the notion that the club has lost its soul during this period.
“I certainly don’t think it’s soulless,” said Carrick, who won 12 major trophies as a United player.
“I think there’s a magic around this place. I feel it. I feel at home straightaway, coming into the building.”
Despite his interim contract, Carrick insisted he will act in the club’s long-term interests and did not rule out staying beyond this season.
“That doesn’t change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long-term strategy,” he added.
“I think we want to plan to improve beyond this season and however that looks at this moment, all I can control is what we give the players.” – AFP
