Why it would be 'absurd' and 'utterly ridiculous' not to give Michael Carrick Manchester United job next season

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Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves do not believe that Manchester United have a choice other than to hand Michael Carrick the permanent head coach's job at Old Trafford next season.

It would be 'absurd, ridiculous' not to give Carrick the Man Utd job

Video credit: TNT Sports

United bolstered their UEFA Champions League charge on Saturday with a crucial 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, condemning Liam Rosenior's side to their fourth Premier League defeat in a row.

Matheus Cunha's first-half goal helped to open up a 10-point gap between United and sixth-place Chelsea, following United's eighth win under Carrick since taking over from Ruben Amorim as caretaker boss.

Speaking on TNT Sports after Man Utd's victory, where they bounced back from a shock defeat to Leeds United, both Cole and Hargreaves feel that Carrick has earned his turn in the hotseat.

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"Realistically, I think it's secured," Cole told TNT Sports. "It's absurd to think of not giving it to him.

"He's come in, got more points than any other person in any other team. What more can you do?

"It would just be absurd, it wouldn't be a gamble, it would just be absurd [not to give it to him], he's proven it."

Former United midfielder Hargreaves doubled down on Cole's comments and insisted that it would be "utterly ridiculous" to consider anyone else.

"He’s proven that he can do the job," Hargreaves said. "Since he’s taken over, they've been the best team in the Premier League. They’ve beaten Man City and Arsenal, the two best teams in this division.

"He’s shown that he can set up a game plan on the counter; obviously, today they did something similar.

"Carra understands the players and that’s probably why he’s there. He understands the pressure of playing for this football club.

"He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they’re better in every capacity.

"So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn’t have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous.

"I think today solidifies it. If they hadn’t won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced.

"After today and if he finishes third, I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. It wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever."

Carrick explains transformational impact

Carrick, like all head coaches, is just taking his stint one game at a time.

After Saturday's victory, he told TNT Sports: "I can't play that one down; that was massive. That was a big win for us."

'He's meant to be my mate!' - Carrick jokes with Cole after asked about Man Utd future

Video credit: TNT Sports

Carrick has picked up more points than any other Premier League manager (26) since his arrival in January.

The former England international was asked to explain how he has managed to transform the club's fortunes this season, having already equalled the number of games won this campaign before his arrival.

"Make them [the players] feel good, make them understand and appreciate playing for this great club," he explained. "It's easy to forget sometimes and the position that we're in.

"And then trying to put them in a shape which suited everyone. I think we can play better, I think there are loads of layers to come.

"We have good players, a good squad, and we just want to keep improving"

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