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Manchester United’s remarkable resurgence under Michael Carrick has sealed a third-place finish in the Premier League this season, convincing INEOS to appoint the Englishman as the full-time manager.

Just five months ago, the Red Devils appeared to be in serious trouble under former boss Ruben Amorim, who struggled to deliver consistent results. The club had heavily invested in the Portuguese coach’s vision last summer, spending over £200 million to strengthen both their attacking and goalkeeping departments.

However, United endured an inconsistent first half of the season under Amorim and were eliminated from the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town. By the turn of the year, the club’s leadership felt a change was necessary and decided to part ways with Amorim.

INEOS sought a steady hand to stabilise the squad and rescue the campaign before appointing a long-term successor. Carrick was chosen for the interim role, and his impact was immediate and transformative.

Carrick’s spell began with a commanding 2-0 home victory over Manchester City, followed by a thrilling 3-2 away win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The new boss shifted the team back to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, moving away from Amorim’s experimental 3-4-3 system.

He also made two key tactical adjustments: restoring Bruno Fernandes to his preferred No. 10 role instead of a deeper midfield position, and reintroducing young talent Kobbie Mainoo into the starting lineup.

Mainoo, who had been sidelined under Amorim, flourished under Carrick’s guidance and became a crucial part of the team’s midfield. Under Carrick, United recorded 11 wins and three draws in 16 matches, earning him the permanent managerial role at Old Trafford.

Since Carrick took over, Manchester United have accumulated the most points in the Premier League during that period. Fresh statistics underline how dominant the team has been under his leadership.

According to Opta data shared by United’s official website, only Manchester City have scored more goals (31) than United since Carrick’s first match in charge. The Red Devils are tied with Liverpool in second place, just one goal behind their local rivals.

United have also registered the joint-highest number of shots on target (90) during this timeframe, matching Pep Guardiola’s City. Overall, they rank third in total shots attempted (234), behind City (273) and Liverpool (256).

With Fernandes thriving in the playmaker role, United have become one of the league’s most dangerous sides in recent months. The Portuguese midfielder has already equalled the Premier League record for most assists in a single season (20), matching Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He now has the chance to break that record in the season finale against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Judging by the team’s progress since Carrick’s appointment, he appears to be the perfect choice to lead Manchester United forward. INEOS are expected to support him in the upcoming transfer window, with finding a suitable replacement for Casemiro among their top priorities this summer.