'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Michael Carrick: Gary Neville pinpoints key aspect of management
Apr 28 2026 07:10 · By onefootball.com · 37 Reads
Manchester United secured a vital 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Brentford, all but guaranteeing Champions League football for next season.
United started very well against the Bees and got an early goal, but rode their luck at times in a close victory .
They needed the brilliance of Belgian Senne Lammens and goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko to get the result, which sees them move clear of Aston Villa in third place.
The victory only strengthened Michael Carrick’s position in terms of securing the top job on a permanent basis.
Speaking to Sky Sports , former player Gary Neville stated, “I think if Michael Carrick was speaking honestly, I think what he’d say at the moment is that he’s getting the absolute maximum out of this group of players.”
He added, “is it 29 points now in 13 games since he came here? That’s a brilliant job. It is a really brilliant job because they played fantastically well in those first two games against City and Arsenal. I mean, it was absolutely amazing.”
In spite of the highly impressive performances against City and Arsenal, Neville complimented the side’s grit and determination under Carrick by claiming, “but they’ve not really hit that height since. They’re getting over the line in games now where they’re not playing as well. And that’s something that you’ve got to do.”
United did go 2-0 up in the first half, but were fortunate not to concede on a few occasions in a rollercoaster first half.
The second period was much more controlled, with both sides far less threatening. Neville added, “What he did in the second half was saying, ‘I’ve got the tactical nous to do this. It’s not just about doing it one way. I can shut down a game,’ which he very nearly succeeded in doing. Saying ‘I’m a serious manager in other ways.'”
Neville also took the time to praise Carrick’s ability to be “agile” in the game and praised his ability to make in-game decisions.
United need just two more points from their remaining four games to secure Champions League football for next season.
The Red Devils will welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
online polls
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social