Michael Carrick sets target at Man Utd after permanent job confirmation
By Joel Masibo, May 23, 2026Head coach Michael Carrick has stressed that the target for Manchester United must be a return to competing for and winning major honours both domestically and in Europe.
The former United midfielder recently committed his future to the club by signing a fresh contract after steering the team to a third-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Since taking charge in January 2026, initially on an interim basis, Carrick has overseen an impressive run of results, with United collecting more points than any other Premier League side during that spell.
Speaking during an interview with former teammate Wayne Rooney at Carrington, Carrick explained that the focus now is on building further progress and restoring the club to its traditional position among Europe’s elite.
Carrick shares plan at Old Trafford
“That’s the buzz, isn’t it, in the end? You know, that’s what we’ve got to aim for,” Carrick said.
He added: “It’s where we want to be as a club and it’s not even so much for me. It’d be an incredible thing for me to be able to do, but just to see this club lifting trophies and winning leagues and challenging for Champions Leagues, that’s the buzz,” the former United midfielder said.
“That’s what gets us out of bed every morning and [we want to] enjoy the grind of the summer and come back stronger for next season. We know what it takes, you know? I know what it takes and hopefully I can give that experience a little bit to the players and they can feed off it, and we can keep pushing for more.”
Carrick has also been encouraged by the atmosphere developing at Old Trafford during his spell in charge. United have produced strong home performances against rivals including Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while several other visiting sides have also been defeated at the stadium.
Supporters connection
Reflecting on the supporters’ connection with the team, Carrick admitted he sensed a special feeling during the recent victory over Nottingham Forest.
“I must admit, I felt on Sunday [when we played Nottingham Forest], there was a feeling, it felt a little bit different,” Carrick noted.
“It felt really… I don’t know, there was a real togetherness. There was a real kind of enjoyment. Which, for me standing there, is quite powerful, to be honest, to then see that kind of going through the whole stadium – and the supporters [are] feeling that, and being excited about coming back.” He stated.
“I think we want to come to the stadium, wherever that is from, and support Manchester United. Looking forward to what can happen, being excited, going away with a smile. But it’s always been like that, it always should be like that, and [we want to] keep pushing forward to bring success here, for sure.” He said.