Michael Carrick has created an enjoyable environment at Manchester Utd that has enabled the club’s big stars to thrive – that’s the opinion of former academy player James Chester who made his first-team debut under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carrick took over on an interim basis following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, and Utd have enjoyed a huge upturn in form, now sitting relatively comfortably in the Premier League’s top four – six points ahead of arch rivals Liverpool in fifth.
Carrick has been widely praised by media, former players and fans for his instant impact, with star players like Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo flourishing and new signing Benjamin Sesko finding his feet since he took over.
And now Chester, who rose through the youth ranks and was named academy Player of the Year in 2007 before making his first-team debut under Ferguson in 2009, has sung the praises of Carrick, saying that he has a ‘massive understanding’ of the club.
When quizzed on if he sees any similarities between Carrick and Sir Alex, Chester – speaking via FruityKing – said: “Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the most decorated managers in the history of football and the success he has but I think what Michael Carrick has done since he’s been in charge has shown he has a massive understanding of the club and how the Man United fans like to watch and view football.
“Having been a player not that long ago, he still understands how players like to work. Just looking at the results and the performances that they’ve achieved since he’s been in, it would appear that the environment is a good place to be and the players are enjoying playing for him, and enjoying playing the way he’s asking them to play.
“I think before he was given the job, and speaking to people who’d worked with him at Middlesbrough, they were very impressed by him. He was someone who I was hoping would get the interim job. I’m really pleased to see how well it has gone for him so far but also how well it’s gone for the club with the turnaround in results.
“Manchester United are sat in the Champions League places at the moment and look set to stay there, and that’s huge for the football club.”
Chester is right, Utd seem set to dine with Europe’s elite again next season at the moment. They have a clear gap to Liverpool and can focus solely on the Premier League after their early Carabao Cup and FA Cup exits.
Next up for Utd in the league is bitter foes. Leeds at home before a tricky test away at top-four rivals Chelsea.
