Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed doubts over whether Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has the quality to lead the club to Premier League or Champions League glory.
Carrick was appointed United’s permanent manager after initially taking charge on an interim basis and guided the club to a third-place finish last season, securing Champions League qualification.
However, while Carragher believes Carrick can help restore stability and establish United as a consistent Champions League club, he questioned whether the former midfielder possesses the qualities needed to win the biggest trophies.
“I’m not saying it’s going to go wrong. What Manchester United have had for the last six months, need that for another 12 months of not being the circus, not being the story all the time, and Carrick brings you that.
“But has he got that stardust to win the biggest trophy? And I think you need to get to a strong position of being a proper Champions League club again. And then, right, what do we need?
“It’s like a player gets you to a certain level, then we need that stardust. I personally just don’t think Michael Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League.
“I don’t believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he’s done a really good job.
“He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager,” he said on The Overlap on Monday.
Carrick has strengthened United’s midfield during the summer, bringing in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Carragher also questioned the club’s decision not to sign former West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who completed an £85m move to Tottenham.
“I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing.
“I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn’t go for Fernandes. They said it was too expensive, but was it that expensive?
“I know £85million is a lot, but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50million.”
United have suffered just one defeat during pre-season, losing to Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could remain at Old Trafford, with Carrick reportedly including the forward in his plans for the coming season.
United defender Harry Maguire has also backed Rashford to stay at the club, highlighting the forward’s qualities and importance to the squad.
“Obviously the transfer window is still open. As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure.
“You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat.
“I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years, and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us,” Maguire said.
