Michael Carrick and the rotation problem: The key to officially taking over the Man Utd hot seat.
Michael Carrick needs to prove his man-management skills in the matches against Crystal Palace and Newcastle to convince the Manchester United board to offer him a long-term contract.
At Old Trafford, Michael Carrick is enjoying his best days as interim manager. A series of positive results has made him a leading candidate for the permanent position. However, to truly secure a long-term contract, Carrick must overcome a crucial managerial hurdle: the ability to manage the team effectively under a demanding fixture schedule.
Human resource management skills test
Doubts about Carrick's ability to rotate his squad are not unfounded. While he has demonstrated sharp tactical thinking in defeating major opponents, he has yet to show flexibility in personnel management. A typical "blemish" occurred in the match against West Ham, where Carrick failed to manage his players' stamina.
Just three days after the victory against Tottenham, keeping the same starting lineup revealed the team's exhaustion. Even key players like Bryan Mbeumo, despite fitness issues, had to play, demonstrating Carrick's lack of confidence in the reserve players. This is a strategic issue because in the 2026-27 season, Manchester United is expected to compete in all four competitions.
Lessons from the past and the pressure of the fixture schedule.
Manchester United's leadership understands the lesson from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who exhausted his first-team squad until they collapsed, while simultaneously causing a lack of cohesion among the reserve players. Carrick is on the verge of a similar scenario. The next two matches against Crystal Palace and Newcastle will be his chance to deliver the strongest possible response.
The match against Crystal Palace may not be too physically demanding, but the clash with Newcastle immediately afterward will be a real test given the packed schedule. If they continue to use the same lineup, doubts about Manchester United's ability to steer the ship through this long journey will only deepen.
Benjamin Sesko: A Test for Change
In this context, Benjamin Sesko emerges as a symbol of the necessary rotation. Despite consistently shining from the bench, the 22-year-old striker has yet to be named in Carrick's starting lineup in the Premier League. Giving Sesko a chance would not only be a reward for his individual performance, but also proof that Carrick is willing to refresh the squad to maintain its strength.
The ability to manage players and protect the fitness of key players is what distinguishes a coach with short-term success from a top-class manager. Michael Carrick holds his own destiny in his hands. If he passes the test with sensible rotation, the permanent head coach position at Old Trafford will certainly be his.
