The "Carrick Effect" is in full swing at Old Trafford. Since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January 2026, Michael Carrick has transformed Manchester United’s season, securing massive victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham to catapult the club back into the Champions League conversation.
However, despite the growing clamor from fans to give him the job permanently, club legend Gary Neville has dropped a bombshell. According to Neville, Carrick could actually reject the permanent position—and for reasons that speak to the heart of the new INEOS era.
The "Best Interests" Revelation
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville suggested that Carrick’s deep love for the club might be the very thing that prevents him from staying in the dugout long-term.
"There is a real possibility Michael rejects the job even if it’s offered. He’s a man of immense integrity. If he feels the club needs a 'world-class' elite profile to truly compete with the likes of Pep and Arteta, he will be the first to step aside for the best interests of Manchester United." — Gary Neville
Neville argues that Carrick views himself as a "bridge" rather than the destination, aiming to hand over a happy, winning squad to a heavyweight successor this summer.
Inside the INEOS Search Process
While Carrick wins on the pitch, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership—led by Director of Football Jason Wilcox—are running a highly disciplined recruitment process that Neville broke down in detail:
The "No Emotion" Rule: INEOS has reportedly informed the staff that results under Carrick (wins or losses) will not "bounce" them into a hasty decision. They are determined to avoid the "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer trap" of hiring an interim based on a honeymoon period.
The Data Dive: The club is currently building a comprehensive data profile for every candidate. They aren't just looking for winners; they are looking for a tactical fit that matches the long-term squad build currently underway.The Summer Shortlist: The search is focused on managers who become available in June 2026. The three names at the top of the list remain:
Thomas Tuchel: (Whose England contract expires after the 2026 World Cup).
Carlo Ancelotti: (The preferred choice for his "calm" and "big club" experience).
Mauricio Pochettino: (The perennial favorite for a return to the Premier League).
Groundhog Day or a New Dawn?
Neville’s primary fear is a repeat of the club's recent history. He noted that seeing familiar faces like Carrick, Solskjaer, and Ruud van Nistelrooy back in the dugout felt "a bit sad" initially—a sign of a club stuck in a loop.
By potentially rejecting the job, Carrick would force the board to stick to their "elite hire" plan, effectively protecting the club from its own emotional impulses.