Michael Carrick’s first game in charge of Manchester United saw the caretaker boss lead the club into the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night, his players securing a 2-0 win at Villarreal.
Former United midfielder Carrick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the dugout following the Norwegian’s sacking on Sunday, and the team’s performance here was similar to many showings under their now-ex-coach; United were disjointed for much of the game, before Cristiano Ronaldo did what he has done so many times this season by scoring late on to break the deadlock. Jadon Sancho then netted his first goal in a United shirt in the final minute, sealing the victory and securing the Red Devils a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
It is unclear how long Carrick will be in charge of United, with reports suggesting that the club’s hierarchy could appoint a different interim coach until the end of the season before seeking a permanent successor to Solskjaer. Mauricio Pochettino has been linked to United, with our own Melissa Reddy reporting that the PSG boss could leave his current side to move to Old Trafford before next summer. However, Pochettino insisted on Tuesday evening that he is “so happy” in Paris. Follow all the fallout from United’s win against Villarreal.
