Forty years ago today, Sir Alex Ferguson walked into Old Trafford as Manchester United manager. On Friday, the man trying to run the club now was asked whether anyone could ever do it again. Michael Carrick's answer was careful, and probably more honest than hopeful: it is "not impossible", but it will not come quickly.
"It's difficult to bring success"
Ferguson was appointed on 6 November 1986, inheriting a club that had not won the league since 1967. It took him almost seven years to win a first championship. After that came 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns. Carrick, who spent seven years playing under him, does not think that kind of patience is on offer today, but he does think the principle still applies. "It's difficult to bring success. It was difficult then, and it's difficult now," he said. "It just shows you how tough it is to have sustained success, never mind moments of success."
Asked whether United could be judged against Ferguson's standards, he said: "It's not impossible. Anything's possible. You've got to build. You've got to be realistic." And then the line that matters for his own position: "It's not going to happen in a blink of an eye. It's not going to happen overnight."
Living in the present, with a job on the line
The timing is awkward. Carrick's future is still under intense scrutiny after a nine-game winless run, and the dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Roma in midweek bought him some room to breathe rather than a lasting reprieve. He talked about taking things "week to week" and said consistency is the key, with no shortcuts. "We showed a really quick response and improved a lot last season, and that shows what's possible. But sustaining it is the key."
He was open about his relationship with Ferguson too. They are closer now than when he was a player, he said, and speak more often. "Not necessarily directly, in terms of talking all the time or constantly giving advice, but more through the influence he had and the habits you try to pick up from him."
Villa on Sunday
Next up is Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday at 4.30pm, live on Sky. Unai Emery's side are close to a new contract and sit tenth in the league, so this is no free hit for United. Carrick wants time and patience, but he knows football rarely hands out either. A win would help his case far more than any anniversary tribute.
Match context: Manchester United v Aston Villa, Premier League, Old Trafford, Sunday 8 November 2026, kick-off 4.30pm (Sky Sports). United beat Roma 3-2 in midweek after a nine-game winless run. Ferguson was appointed on 6 November 1986.
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