Jose Mourinho comments spark debate after Carrick’s Man United return

Jose Mourinho has appeared to take a thinly veiled swipe at Manchester United following the club’s decision to appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season.

The former United manager was speaking after Benfica’s 2–0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League when he questioned why elite clubs continue to hand major roles to inexperienced coaches.

Without naming Manchester United directly, Mourinho’s comments were widely interpreted as a reference to Old Trafford — and potentially to Chelsea — both of whom have recently turned to less-established managerial profiles.

“For me, it is a surprise when coaches with no history and no work done have the opportunity to coach the most important teams in the world,” Mourinho said, as quoted by Leggo. “This is the real surprise.

“When Milan takes Allegri, when Juventus takes Spalletti or when Roma chooses Gasperini, these are never surprises.”

The timing of the remarks, coming days after Carrick’s return to United, ensured they landed with added weight.

Michael Carrick was named interim boss last week following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, whose tenure ended after a run of disappointing results.

Carrick’s appointment has been met with a largely positive reaction from supporters, particularly after overseeing a statement 2–0 derby win over Manchester City. Still, his role remains temporary, with INEOS continuing to assess long-term options ahead of the summer.

Mourinho and Carrick share a long professional history. Carrick made 43 appearances under the Portuguese coach during his time at United and briefly served as part of Mourinho’s backroom staff after retiring as a player.

Following Mourinho’s departure, Carrick remained at the club as assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjær before stepping out on his own, later taking charge at Middlesbrough in the Championship. His return to Old Trafford marks his second stint as interim United manager.

Mourinho’s comments inevitably reopened debate around his own spell at United. During his 2016–19 tenure, he delivered the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield, while also guiding the club to a second-place Premier League finish — an achievement he has since described as the greatest of his career.

United, by contrast, have not won a European trophy since his departure and have struggled for stability at boardroom and coaching level.

Carrick will remain in charge until the end of the campaign, but his performance may yet influence United’s long-term thinking. Several experienced names continue to be linked, including Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel and Xavi.

Manchester United are expected to maintain a watching brief as Carrick navigates a demanding fixture list. For Mourinho, focus returns to domestic matters with Benfica, though his remarks ensure his influence — and critique — continues to echo in English football.

However, it remains to be seen whether United prioritise experience or continuity when making their next permanent appointment.

Should Manchester United favour proven winners over emerging coaches when appointing their next permanent manager?