United are back at Old Trafford for the first time in three games as Carrick's Reds host a man who has been linked with taking over from him; Oliver Glasner and his Eagles side.
United's current boss spoke about Maguire's contract, his coaching methods, importance of the wider squad, Champions League football and more.
On Maguire's contract, Carrick believes that a balance between, youth and experience is important. "You can't necessarily put a price on that." A player like the former captain has had multiple experiences at the club.
He adds that the 32-year-old is an impressive character and that he's had a great career so far. The interim lauds the defender by saying that he was "fantastic" in the recent win over Everton. "He's been really important for us."
Goalkeeper Lammens has been speaking about the coaching methods thus far under Carrick. The United boss replied that it's about making it as clear as you can in terms of getting instructions across to the players but that it's also about adding details to the process.
Carrick says that while their coaching methods may seem simple, "there's quite a lot of work around that."
Ugarte is a player that Carrick "likes a lot" and that he has a great attitude in training and when winning games. On the frings players, Carrick believes that it's tougher to get them in the team although everyone is pushing each other for places. A player such as Ugarte is an example of this but there may come a time when he - and others like him - are needed.
In terms of starting Sesko or using him as that impact substitute, Carrick feels that it's not something that he looks at in a negative way. He parises the striker's goal scoring form and how important he's been to getting points in recent games.
"The Champions League is where we want to be." Carrick doesn't want to get carried away but the focus is on achieving UCL qualification.
The interim has also stuck with pretty much the same team every game. On this, he says that having large breaks in-between has played a big part in this but that when rotation is needed, it will come.
Carrick says that there have been tweaks to the team despite the XI remaining largely unchanged. He points out Shaw's role being slightly different and that the attacking players have changed positions at times. However, he doesn't want to make too many changes as "there is a feeling of trying to keep the momentum."
Final Thoughts
I've said much on the topic of Maguire and his contract. At the risk of repeating myself, here is my post regarding giving him an extension.
I think so far, when it comes to performances, I've said many times that it is essentially defend and counter.
Yes, there is more too it when you go into details like some of the rondos during games or purposefully giving up possession at times so as to suck opponents in before hitting them on the break, but again, that is pretty much counter-attacking football.
I think the coaching has to be simple. I think it's because these players aren't capable of playing anything more technical. This is how they've managed to perform as well as they have under Carrick, just as they did under Carrick and Solskjaer.
Every time we've seen them play well, it is with this basic style of football.
I also don't think that Carrick and his coaches have that ability to coach highly technical football (yet). Other than Steve Holland, the others aren't that experienced and for them to try and do something more modern, might be their level just yet.
Simple it seems, is the way to go for all parties.
I don't mind sticking with the same XI, as long as it works. That's exactly what's happening at the moment so why change it?
In my preview, I've also gone with something we've seen a lot under Carrick. He seems to be the type that won't make changes unless absolutely necessary. The momentum is there as well so there is no real need to do anything drastic.
With there being one game a week as well, that gives him even more reason to keep things as they are.
Under Amorim, it was a different XI almost every week which upset that rhythm and momentum. He also put players all over the place wheras Carrick has gone with something more routine.
I do think that this has all caused the fringe players like Ugarte - who's only played 18 minutes under Carrick - to have to be content (somehow) with a place on the bench.
I think it's pretty easy to see that Champions League football is the aim. We got nothing else to fight for so I think it's an absolute MUST that we qualify in the top 4/5 this season.
No reasons why we shouldn't.
Michael Carrick | Image credit: Getty Images via Manchester Evening News