Michael Carrick Emerges as Leading Contender for Premier League Manager Award

• Michael Carrick has collected more Premier League points than every manager except Pep Guardiola since taking charge of Manchester United.
• United are preparing talks over extending Carrick’s stay beyond this season.
• Carrick joins a strong shortlist for Manager of the Season alongside Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Andoni Iraola.

Michael Carrick’s remarkable impact at Manchester United is continuing to gather momentum, with the interim boss now firmly in contention for the Premier League’s Manager of the Season award.

Carrick has overseen 10 wins and three draws from his first 15 league games in charge at Old Trafford, a run of form that leaves him second only to Pep Guardiola for Premier League points accumulated since his appointment.

The turnaround has transformed both United’s season and the conversation surrounding the club’s future.

Initially viewed as a temporary solution following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, Carrick has rapidly established himself as a serious candidate to take the role permanently. ESPN reported earlier this week that United are preparing formal talks with the 44-year-old regarding continuing as head coach for the 2026-27 season.

Now individual recognition may follow.

Carrick has been named on the shortlist for the Premier League’s Manager of the Season award alongside Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Keith Andrews, Andoni Iraola and Régis Le Bris.

The final winner will be determined through a combination of public voting and a panel of football experts.

While Guardiola and Arteta remain heavily associated with the title race, Andrews has emerged as one of the surprise names among the contenders after guiding Brentford into eighth place during his first full season as a manager.

Brentford lost several major figures last summer, including Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Christian Nørgaard, Mark Flekken and former manager Thomas Frank, yet have remained highly competitive throughout the campaign under Andrews’ leadership.

United’s own resurgence under Carrick has been built on stability, clarity and improved performances in big matches. Victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have strengthened his standing among supporters and internally at the club.

There is also recognition for several standout performers across the league in the Player of the Season category.

Bruno Fernandes represents Manchester United on the shortlist alongside Gabriel, Morgan Gibbs-White, Erling Haaland, David Raya, Declan Rice, Antoine Semenyo and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.

The Young Player of the Season nominees were also announced, with Rayan Cherki, Mateus Fernandes, Lewis Hall, Michael Kayode, Junior Kroupi, Kobbie Mainoo, Nico O’Reilly and Alex Scott all included.

For Carrick, though, the bigger prize may still lie ahead.

What began as a short-term appointment has evolved into a genuine managerial project, and with United now back in the Champions League, momentum around his candidacy continues to grow.

Whether that proves enough to secure the role permanently remains to be seen, but his impact has already placed him among the Premier League’s defining managerial stories of the season.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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