Michael Carrick took the Manchester United job in January and immediately reshaped a squad that had lost its direction. Under Ruben Amorim, United lost to Brentford, Grimsby, and Everton while needing 35 games for their first back-to-back league wins. Carrick reversed that with four straight league victories and a run of wins over Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool that secured Champions League football.

His impact went beyond results. Bruno Fernandes was reverted to his favoured No 10 role, elevated his game, and won the FWA Player of the Year. Kobbie Mainoo returned to the starting XI and signed a new contract. Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate provided the coaching backbone that united the squad after Amorim's public criticism of players like Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu.

Carrick brought a steadiness Carrington desperately needed. Wins over Manchester City and Arsenal kicked things off, and the victory over Chelsea in April felt like a turning point after a worrying loss to Leeds. His calm approach contrasted sharply with the chaos of the Amorim era.

The summer will test whether Carrick can sustain this. Casemiro is leaving, midfield depth is thin, and reinforcements are needed. Yet in 16 games he gave this United squad something rare: identity and direction.