Michael Carrick pinpoints important decision Man Utd must get right this summer

Michael Carrick may not still be at Manchester United in the summer, but has pointed out an important decision they must make before the start of next season.

Carrick is in interim charge of the Red Devils until the end of the campaign, with the chance that he could stay on in a permanent role if he continues to impress.

Four wins and a draw from his opening five fixtures represent an impressive start to his spell in charge, which continues at Everton in the Premier League on Monday night.

The Manchester United hierarchy have a huge decision to make on who will lead the club after this season, while they also have a big choice to make in the transfer market.

Midfielder Casemiro is into the final few months of his contract at Old Trafford and has already confirmed his intention to leave at the end of the season.

The Brazilian has been in good form under Carrick and the manager knows how vital the position at the heart of midfield is, having played there himself for the Red Devils.

‘It’s an important position, I think. Not being biased, obviously, as being a midfielder, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together,’ said Carrick on replacing the 34-year-old.

‘You’re connected to the whole team, and that’s sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit.

‘And Case’s has had a big influence within the group on that. So, something we’re fully aware of moving forward, for sure.’

Casemiro has had his ups and downs since joining Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2022, with his impressive recent form earning a change of tune from Jamie Carragher for his ‘leave the football before the football leaves you’ comment in 2024.

The likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have been linked with Manchester United as Casemiro replacements and they will be big boots to fill.

‘Case has been fantastic since I came, really, on and off the pitch, and experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way,’ said Carrick.

‘And again, I think over time, being a senior player here is almost the responsibility of the example and helping the young players, helping the rest of the boys and passing on your experiences in a positive way.

‘He’s been top since I came in, in so many ways, and he’s been a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to continuing with him for a few months yet.’

Casemiro will leave the Premier League at 34 years old, but asked whether he can continue to play at a high level elsewhere, Carrick said: ‘Yeah, I’m sure he can, yeah. I’m sure he can.

‘He’s playing as good a level as he’s played at for some time, I think, at the moment.

‘And it’s great to see, you know, in so many ways, I said, the experience, technically, game understanding, just composure in certain moments. So yeah, he’s in a really good place.’