Is Carrick making the 'impossible job' seem easy?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton, and Mark Critchley analyze the impressive start of Michael Carrick's tenure as interim manager of Manchester United following a victorious match against Everton. They discuss the team's turnaround, with Carrick leading them to be the most in-form team in the Premier League with significant positive shifts in performance and results. The conversation includes how Carrick has revitalized team tactics, making them align more with long-standing club traditions, and the effectiveness of recent recruitment strategies, which have brought in players who are better suited to the Premier League.

The hosts also examine the public relations challenges faced by the club amidst Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments regarding immigration. The club attempted to distance itself from these remarks, leading to internal disappointment among staff and concerns about commercial impacts.

As the discussion shifts towards Carrick's future as a potential permanent manager, various factors about his performance and the club's plans for squad development are explored. The episode concludes with deliberations on whether Carrick has earned the opportunity to fulfill a longer-term leadership role in light of a favorable finish to the current season.