Rio Ferdinand reveals the reason why Man Utd gave Michael Carrick the reins on a long-term contract.

Michael Carrick is close to signing a long-term contract to manage Manchester United after a turbulent season. According to analysis from legend Rio Ferdinand, it is his tactical acumen and ability to revive a team from crisis that has made the 44-year-old strategist an irreplaceable choice at Old Trafford today.

Support from 'old timers'

In a broadcast titled Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England center-back devoted a significant amount of time to praising his former teammate. Ferdinand urged the owners of INEOS to immediately give their full support to the current manager, instead of seeking risky alternatives in the transfer market.

In the past, Ferdinand and Carrick played side-by-side 261 times for Manchester United. Together, they won five Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and two League Cups. Ferdinand's understanding of Carrick's playing style and character led him to believe that his former teammate possessed the winning DNA necessary to rebuild the team.

The coaching market is short of top-class candidates.

Ferdinand analyzed that the former England midfielder had put INEOS in an undeniable position with his on-field results. He strongly stated that the hierarchy could not dismiss someone who had achieved such extraordinary things in such a short time. The only chance for Man Utd to look at another manager would only occur if Luis Enrique left Paris Saint-Germain and put himself forward.

However, that scenario completely fell apart when the Spanish manager agreed to extend his contract with the French club. Looking at the remaining candidates such as Unai Emery, Marco Silva, and Andoni Iraola, Ferdinand believes they all lack the charisma and stature to lead a club with the immense pressure of Manchester United.

A period of rapid transition at Old Trafford.

Since replacing Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick has far exceeded the expectations of both experts and fans. He shortened the transition period by four months, creating a more cohesive and distinct style of play. Ferdinand particularly praised Carrick's ability to elevate individual players and lift the entire team from the depths of despair.

Thanks to those positive impacts, the red half of Manchester finished impressively in third place in the Premier League and secured a spot in next season's Champions League. This was an achievement few dared to imagine when Carrick first took over as manager. Ferdinand emphasized that depriving the man who had brought new life to the team at Old Trafford of his chance would clearly be a cruel and illogical decision from the leadership.

In the current circumstances, maintaining the existing squad and appointing Carrick on a long-term basis is seen as the only correct path forward. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ultimate task now is to fully support Carrick with quality signings in the upcoming transfer window, in order to realize the goal of bringing Man Utd back to the top of European football.