NQAT Extra: It Had to be Carrick

Ed and Dan break down Michael Carrick's appointment as Manchester United head coach on a two-year deal: why the job went to him over the alternatives, and what comes next. Sixteen games into the interim spell, the results speak for themselves. The floor has been raised, and his methods are not complicated: a back four, Mainoo restored to the team, players returned to roles they recognise, and Amorim's pressing scheme abandoned. From there the conversation turns to what's next. Does Carrick have a ceiling that meets elite Champions League sides? How does the summer midfield rebuild dictate whether United play the way Carrick really wants next season? And what does success look like? 00:00 Carrick's Record and the Reaction Online 02:52 Previous United Managers 10:08 What Carrick Has Done Differently 18:52 Midfield Profile - What United Need 34:31 Carrick's Character and Management Style 36:35 Champions League and What Success Looks Like 40:38 Summer Transfer Window - Who Should United Sign 45:40 Wrapping Up If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or

You can listen to NQAT Extra: It Had to be Carrick online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

NQAT Extra: It Had to be Carrick is an episode from Rant Cast by Studio 1878.

This episode is 49:21 long.

This episode was published on May 22, 2026.

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