Carrick’s four straight wins and a switch back to a 4-2-3-1 have made United less predictable and more confident. Punters may prefer backing United to win upcoming matches and consider match-winner or outright win bets; if Carrick’s form holds, market interest could grow for him to be named permanent manager.
Jaap Stam: Michael Carrick Should Be in Permanent Manager Talks After Flying Start
Jaap Stam believes Manchester United must at least open discussions about making Michael Carrick the permanent manager if his unbeaten run continues. Carrick has overseen victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham since taking charge, and his connection to the dressing room is a key reason Stam thinks he deserves serious consideration.
Unbeaten Run Built on Simplicity and Player Comfort
Stam highlights that Carrick’s immediate changes have returned a feel-good factor at Old Trafford. Central to that has been a tactical reset: Carrick reverted United from a back-three to a 4-2-3-1, restoring clarity to individual roles and making the side harder to read. "They cause more confusion towards the opposition in the press and they're more comfortable on the ball," Stam observed, praising both the defensive structure and renewed attacking confidence.
Mainoo Reinstated — A Symbol of Better Decision-Making
Kobbie Mainoo was quickly reinstated under Carrick after being largely overlooked under the previous head coach. Stam uses Mainoo’s case as an example of rigid management that cost the former coach: "Leaving out a midfield player like Mainoo — an academy talent with clear ability — felt wrong. Now he's producing his qualities again." Mainoo’s return has been cited as a sign the squad feels more trusted and motivated.
Why Carrick’s Connection Matters More Than Managerial CV
Stam argues that experience alone hasn't guaranteed success at United since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, and that a manager who understands the club and players can be just as valuable as an older résumé. "You need somebody who's got a great connection with the players, who feels them, knows how to play nowadays in modern football," he said, suggesting Carrick ticks those boxes while also being tactically adaptable.
Implications for United’s Season and the Betting Market
If United maintain this momentum they could climb quickly in confidence and results. For bettors, the immediate takeaway is favouring United in upcoming fixtures and considering markets tied to match outcomes or Carrick-era over/unders driven by a more attacking but controlled approach. Continued form could also shift longer-term markets, including manager odds and United’s season targets.
Stam added a note of caution: early runs can reflect a temporary boost as players fight for places under a new head coach, but if the form persists "towards the end of the season, they can continue in showing this form and this confidence."
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CHRIS WHEELER: Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam believes the club will have to consider putting Michael Carrick in charge on a permanent basis if his flying start continues.
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