Jaap Stam Urges Manchester United to Stand by Michael Carrick
Jaap Stam has urged Manchester United to keep faith with Michael Carrick, insisting the club should resist pressure for an experienced replacement after the former midfielder’s difficult opening weeks as permanent manager.
Carrick retains backing despite poor run
Carrick is not considered to be under immediate threat, although Antonio Conte’s representatives have made contact to signal that the former Chelsea and Napoli coach would be prepared to take the job straight away.
Conte had also been linked with the post last summer, but United gave Carrick the role on a permanent basis after he guided the side to third place while acting as interim boss from January.
- Carrick led United to a third-place finish during his spell as caretaker manager.
- He was appointed permanently last summer, tasked with building a longer-term project.
- United have taken only six points from their opening six Premier League matches this term.
- The club were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion.
- A 4-0 win over Sabah was followed by a 2-0 Champions League defeat away to Atletico Madrid.
- The Red Devils now arrive at Sunday’s trip to Leeds United on a five-game winless run in all competitions.
Stam: experience is no guarantee
Stam believes United have already seen that hiring a decorated, high-profile coach does not automatically solve their problems. He pointed to the unsuccessful reigns of Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag, despite each arriving with major managerial experience.
The former United defender said modern managers are rarely allowed the extended period Sir Alex Ferguson had to shape a squad and establish sustained success. In Stam’s view, a change to another seasoned coach would still carry no certainty of improvement.
Instead, Stam feels Carrick remains the best fit because of his relationship with the squad, understanding of United’s culture and communication with the board.
He believes the 45-year-old must be given time to deliver a clear plan, including work in future transfer windows. Carrick showed last season that he can produce results, Stam said, and should improve as the campaign develops.
Leeds test awaits
United sit 13th before their Yorkshire derby at Elland Road, where Daniel Farke’s Leeds are seventh on nine points.
Leeds will look to respond after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, but they have not lost any of their last five Premier League home games. Carrick’s side face a demanding afternoon as they attempt to halt their winless sequence.
