Michael Carrick has been talking about Eddie Howe and Newcastle United ahead of Wednesday night.
Manchester United the visitors to St James’ Park for an 8.15pm kick-off.
Boyhood Newcastle United fan Michael Carrick returning as (temporary?) Manchester United boss to Tyneside.
Ahead of the match, Michael Carrick declaring: “I have a huge amount of respect for Eddie and his staff. I know some of them particularly well. Being from there originally, I have kept a close eye on them. Eddie Howe has done a great job with the success he has brought to the club and the feeling he has created around the whole area. He’s a top man and a top coach.”
Having failed at Middlesbrough and getting sacked, things looked bleak for Michael Carrick.
However, with Manchester United sacking yet another manager mid-season, he has become the latest former Man U player to be catapulted into the job from nowhere.
Taking over on 13 January 2026, Michael Carrick and his team have carried plenty of luck, but a serious upturn in results so far with six wins and one draw in the seven matches.
Michael Carrick asked about the improved form at his pre-match Newcastle United press conference: “I wouldn’t use the word surprise, we always strive to win games. Football is a tough game to get results. I am always learning, things that you could have done a little bit better. It’s not so much guarding against it, it’s living in the moment, keep grounded with understanding what it takes to win games. We won’t get carried away, you have to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We are hungry for more and want it for as long as it will last.”
The ‘grappling’ at set-pieces has become a big Premier League talking point and the Man U boss asked about it: “It wasn’t long ago we were told you couldn’t lay a hand on anyone in the box and we were told it would be clamped down. It’s crept in, the success of corners and being able to put bodies close together, has made more teams do it. As a game, it doesn’t feel like we’ve got that balance right.”
Michael Carrick also keen to praise Bruno Fernandes: “There isn’t a lot more I can add with Bruno, he’s been here for such a long period of time, he’s had success in different ways, shown what he is all about, taking responsibility in showing up in the ups and the downs. That sums up Bruno and his character and consistency. He’s been a major plus and a fantastic signing since he came in. I’m sure that will continue.”
On Sunday, both Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were forced off during the Man U win over Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick explaining it was illness in both cases but not sure whether they will be available to play against Newcastle United: “It wasn’t injury, both weren’t feeling too good. We will see how they are. We’re hoping so, we’re working towards it.”