The hard work starts now for Michael Carrick and Man United

Michael Carrick has been confirmed as the next permanent manager of Manchester United

He now faces a defining summer as United look to build on progress

Author | Josh T

Michael Carrick has been asked so often about the uncertainty surrounding his future that he could almost have directed reporters to recycle answers from previous press conferences.

In many ways, though, the real challenge begins now for Carrick.

Guiding Manchester United to third place while overseeing 11 wins in his 16 games as interim manager was a notable achievement. Yet doing so across a 40-game campaign, without European football and with early exits from both domestic cup competitions, is very different from sustaining progress in a season that could stretch beyond 60 matches.

United's recruitment will be crucial

Central midfield remains the most pressing concern. Casemiro is expected to depart, Manuel Ugarte has yet to convince and Kobbie Mainoo cannot be expected to shoulder the burden every week.

Should Patrick Dorgu continue in a more advanced role, United are also in urgent need of greater competition for Luke Shaw at left-back. The same applies in goal. Senne Lammens is one option, particularly with Radek Vitek keen to build on an impressive season on loan at Bristol City by continuing to play regularly, something unlikely to happen if he returns to Old Trafford next term.

There is encouragement within the academy system. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Jacob Devaney has impressed during his loan spell at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, while highly rated England Under-20 international Shea Lacey is expected to receive more opportunities next season.

But United's academy cannot carry the responsibility alone. Carrick needs meaningful backing from the club's recruitment department.

A number of statistical analyses have attempted to argue that United's performances since Ruben Amorim's departure have not matched the results. That feels overly simplistic and overlooks the composure Carrick has restored at Carrington, the calm authority he has brought to the dressing room and his refusal to allow difficult moments to spiral.

It may not appear so at first glance, but with the added demands of European football and a heavier fixture schedule, securing third place again next season would represent significant progress. For Carrick to have any realistic chance of delivering it, United must strengthen around him.