The Story: “Carrick Time” Returns to Old Trafford
The match against Fulham was supposed to be a “routine” home win, but it turned into a classic Manchester United thriller that has redefined Carrick’s standing with the club’s hierarchy.
1. The Tactical Masterclass
Carrick made a bold call by starting Matheus Cunha to replace the injured Patrick Dorgu. It paid off immediately.
The Dominance: Casemiro opened the scoring with a thunderous header, and Cunha doubled the lead in the 56th minute.
The Collapse: In a chaotic final ten minutes, United appeared to crumble. Raul Jimenez converted a penalty, and then, in the 91st minute, Fulham’s Kevin curled in a stunning equalizer.
2. The “Decisive” Tactical Switch
Rather than settling for a draw to protect his unbeaten streak, Carrick made his most decisive call yet: he pushed everyone forward. In the 94th minute, Benjamin Sesko—who Carrick had brought off the bench—smashed home the winner in front of the Stretford End.
3. The Media “Confirmation”
The quote in your snippet—“I knew he wasn’t capable of leading this team”—is a complete reversal of what was actually said. After the match, Carrick was “purring” with praise for his squad’s leadership. He specifically lauded Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo for their composure during the frantic finish.
“The spirit has taken us through today. It’s the best feeling… I think people leave here with more than just a United win; it puts layers on top of the connection and the emotion.” — Michael Carrick
What Happens Next?
The “Final Call” isn’t about a player being exiled; it’s about the board. Following this victory, United have climbed into 4th place in the Premier League. The fans are no longer asking if he can lead—they are demanding he be given the job full-time.
Next Match: A massive clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford this weekend.
The Odds: Bookmakers have slashed odds on Carrick becoming the permanent manager to 8/11, making him the clear favorite.
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