Carrick says that "nothing's really changed" in terms of dicussions about his future at the club. The plan was always to talk about it at the end of the season.
The focus remains on finishing the season strong despite achieving the goal of Champions League qualification. He understands why people would think that there would've been discussions by now considering that UCL qualification but for him and his future, "it will get sorted out when it gets sorted out. It's out of my hands."
Carrick feels that the current group are more used to play two games a week compared to the one game a week they've had this season and that with more matches to come next season, squad growth is part of that evolution.
As it may seem like there's not much to fight for now that United are back in the Champions League, Carrick says that to keep the players' mentally sharp, they have to play for pride, responsibility and the privilege of wearing the United shirt. It's about evolving because with the UCL while it is a great step, "it's not the end."
The interim has been very happy with the entire squad even those who are on the periphery. He says that the players have shown a togetherness and support for each other "which is great to see." Having fewer matches has helped with this strong bond in the squad.
Carrick believes that Sunderland still have a lot to fight for and until this point, have had a fantastic season. He says that to actually stay in the Premier League is already so hard but to be within touching distance of European football is a testament to the job they've done.
Despite un uncertain future, Carrick says that he didn't approach any decision with short-term thinking even if at the start, there was less of a chance of him getting the permanent job. "We've definitely made decisions for the long-term." He wouldn't change his approach with how he's gone about his business as interim if he were permanent manager.
Final Thoughts
Before I give you my opinions on what he said, this was the first time I actually watched his presser.
I had some words to say about him and his interviews in that I find them boring and his answers are political and sometimes avoid the question entirely. I thought that he needed to work on this.
Seeing his body language now as well, and I'm worried.
Those reservations I had about him in front of the camera has now been escalated due to actually watching him.
He's too relaxed but in a way that is more uncomfortable rather than a calm confidence. There is a lack of conviction in what he's saying. It looks like he doesn't want to be there and there's a lot of hesitation with his answers.
Carrick just looks like a manager the press will chew up and spit out.
You can watch his presser on manutd.com and you might see what I'm saying even clearer.
I think we all know that's he's going to be the manager. Unless something outrageous happens from here, Carrick will be the permanent boss.
Obviously he's not going to say that nor is it actually confirmed, but where I feel there is a bit of a contradiction is when he says that he's still made decisions for the long term.
If you know you're not going to be there beyond your interim spell, why would you think beyond that? I get that you would want to try and set the club up for the future as best you can but a new manager and coaches will probably have different ideas about what the future looks like for them.
I don't think you would make long term deicisions if you haven't at least held talks about staying past this interim period.
And again, a bit of contradicition in that Carrick says he won't change his approach if he gets the job full time.
I feel that everything he's done so far is very short term thinking. A lot of the good he's done was to settle things down, get good results and qualify for the UCL.
He's done all of that.
But surely you can't think that doing the same thing again would work with more matches, tougher games, traveling etc?
I did like what he said regarding playing for the shirt and fans in terms of what he can use as motivation for the players given that the main goal has been achieved.
He also answered this one without hesitation and in a confident manner.
That is definitely something worth fighting for because you don't want to finish the season weakly. What type of message would that send as well? Only when you have something worth playing for then you'll try your best?
In my preview, I actually pointed out that there are a few important things left to play for in the remaining three games.
The togetherness in the squad is also a positive and clear to see. It's good when the players get along with each other even those who aren't playing as much. This indicates a strong bond and can take you a long way moving forward.
Michael Carrick | Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images - Manchester Evening News