Man Utd fans will love what Michael Carrick did outside Old Trafford after Crystal Palace win

Michael Carrick was spotted grabbing pictures with Manchester United fans after the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace at the weekend.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYGoals from Bruno Fernandes (penalty) and Benjamin Sesko secured the spoils for the hosts as their upturn in form continued at M16.The Premier League giants now find themselves third in the table, having won six of their last seven top-flight games.On that form, it’s understandable why some pundits have been clamouring for Carrick to be named United’s next permanent manager.Michael Carrick remains a popular figure at Man Utd(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Samuel Luckhurst popped on X (formerly Twitter) to share a picture of Carrick, who had stayed behind at Old Trafford after the tie to fulfil photo requests with the United faithful. Michael Carrick still here ensuring everyone who waited gets a picture with him #mufc pic.twitter.com/KdcjujbPaQ — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) March 1, 2026Whilst moments like these won’t be the difference between the 44-year-old retaining employment at the end of the season and being replaced, it serves to prove that, for now, he has been embraced by the masses.This could very well prove a sticking point in the summer, when decision-makers are forced to contemplate a potentially highly unpopular course of action.Can Manchester United actually sack Carrick?It has to be acknowledged that Michael Carrick’s arrival was not a high-profile one following Ruben Amorim’s enforced departure.The ex-Red was meant to come in and “steady the ship” after inconsistent form left United trailing, once again, outside the Champions League places.But after picking up 19 points from a possible 21 in seven games, and with the club tracking towards what seems an inevitable finish in the top four – can United actually pull the trigger on a long-term successor? Michael Carrick’s record at Manchester United 7 games 6 wins 1 draw 2.71 points per game * Michael Carrick’s managerial record at Man Utd since taking over from Ruben Amorim (Transfermarkt)History, of course, is littered with similar examples of interim managers instilling some spirit and fight in beleaguered squads.The long-term picture, however, is not always a pretty one. And United will be at a crucial crossroads in the summer when it comes to planning the next two seasons, and the possibility of meeting their Premier League title target of 2028 (for both the men’s and women’s teams).If not Carrick, of course, there still remains a big question mark as to which head coach is genuinely capable of steering the club to a level surpassing the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.For now, the fan vote is firmly with the incumbent Manchester United head coach.