Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has encouraged the club to exercise patience with Michael Carrick, even in light of the interim manager’s impressive start with the Red Devils.
Berbatov, who played alongside Carrick at United from 2008 to 2012, cautioned against rushing into a permanent appointment, referencing the club’s previous situation with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“I admit I am a bit biased since I played with [Carrick], and I hope he gets the job, but let’s wait until the season concludes. If they continue on their current path, then why not?” Berbatov told ESPN FC.
“We all remember what happened with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; it was a similar narrative. Let’s avoid making hasty decisions and instead enjoy how United is improving with each game. We can assess everything at the end of the season,” he added.
Since Carrick took charge, United has enjoyed four consecutive wins in the Premier League against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, pushing the club into the top four in the race for Champions League spots.
“Carrick is in a position to prove his capabilities. So far, in the matches we’ve seen, everything is aligning for him and the team. The test will come by the season’s end, and we’ll see if he deserves a permanent position,” Berbatov commented.
The former Bulgaria international credited Carrick’s effective communication skills for the team’s remarkable turnaround.
“He understands how to communicate in a way that makes the players feel valued and builds their trust in him. From there, he can integrate his ideas into their game,” Berbatov explained.
“While the manager’s approach may differ, the core of the team remains unchanged. We can see how they now play with flair, confidence, and the necessary swagger—it’s a joy to watch,” he added.
United will travel to play West Ham United on Tuesday, aiming for a fifth consecutive win for the first time since 2024.