Michael Carrick has made a superb start to life as interim manager of Manchester United. The former midfield metronome has collected 13 points from a possible 15, restoring optimism and, perhaps more importantly, identity at Old Trafford.

The early signs have been overwhelmingly positive. But the recent 1-1 draw away at West Ham United, just before the FA Cup fourth round, served as a reminder that the honeymoon period is over. The real examination of Carrick’s credentials starts now.

A unique audition

The debate over United’s next permanent manager is already raging, with countless names linked to the role ahead of the 2026/27 season. Yet only one candidate is in the dugout, shaping results in real time. Carrick is not merely keeping the seat warm — he is auditioning.

This is not so much his job to lose as it is his to seize. Sustained progress between now and May could force the club’s hierarchy to think twice before looking elsewhere.

So what must the former midfield maestro do to turn a promising interim spell into a permanent appointment?

A flying start — with one warning sign

Since stepping back into the Old Trafford spotlight during the Manchester derby in mid-January, Carrick has done more than steady the ship. Drawing on his managerial development at Middlesbrough, he has demonstrated tactical flexibility and composure, instilling calm authority on the touchline.

Results have backed up the aesthetics. Victories over local rivals Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal formed part of an unbeaten four wins and a draw in his opening five matches — a run that earned him February’s Manager of the Month award.

Supporters have also warmed to his decisions. The reintroduction of academy favourite Kobbie Mainoo has been widely praised, while a tactical system better suited to the current squad has revitalised United’s attacking play. Crucially, Bruno Fernandes has thrived in his preferred role, and the team look far more organised out of possession.

The only blemish came at the London Stadium, where United were fortunate to escape with a point against a side battling near the foot of the table. In isolation, it is not a disastrous result. In context, it was a timely warning.

Talent, but not yet elite

This United squad possesses enough quality to secure a top-five finish, particularly in a season where few traditional heavyweights have consistently hit top gear. But it is not yet an elite group.

Questions linger over consistency and mentality. Too often in recent years, United have followed stirring wins against top opposition with flat displays against struggling sides. That fragility — that weak underbelly — remains the core issue.

With players such as Casemiro approaching the twilight of their influence at the highest level, the next permanent manager will need to articulate a clear vision for recruitment and evolution. Carrick must show not only that he can maximise current resources, but that he understands how to reshape the squad in the months ahead.

Raising the floor

Between now and the end of the campaign, Carrick’s primary objective is simple in theory, difficult in practice: make West Ham the exception, not the rule.

Eradicating inconsistency does not mean delivering 10/10 performances every week. It means raising the floor. A minimum 7/10 display, week after week. In a league of fine margins, anything less invites dropped points — even against the division’s strugglers.

The benchmark has already been set by victories over City and Arsenal. Replicating that intensity every match may be unrealistic, but with United playing once a week for much of the run-in, there is little excuse for lethargy or mental drift.

Convincing the decision-makers

For Carrick to secure one of football’s most scrutinised and coveted jobs — a role that has humbled many accomplished coaches — he must build a sustainable new normal. One built on structure, bravery in possession, and clarity of purpose.

By restoring Mainoo, empowering Fernandes, and implementing proactive, front-foot football, Carrick has aligned himself with what supporters crave. The direction of travel is encouraging.

But interim success is one thing. Sustained leadership is another.

The road to permanence begins in earnest away at Everton on Monday night. The honeymoon is over. Now comes the real question: is this just a promising fling, or the foundation of something lasting at Old Trafford?