Ed and Dan break down Michael Carrick's appointment as Manchester United head coach on a two-year deal: why the job went to him over the alternatives, and what comes next.

Sixteen games into the interim spell, the results speak for themselves. The floor has been raised, and his methods are not complicated: a back four, Mainoo restored to the team, players returned to roles they recognise, and Amorim's pressing scheme abandoned.

From there the conversation turns to what's next. Does Carrick have a ceiling that meets elite Champions League sides? How does the summer midfield rebuild dictate whether United play the way Carrick really wants next season? And what does success look like?

00:00 Carrick's Record and the Reaction Online

02:52 Previous United Managers

10:08 What Carrick Has Done Differently

18:52 Midfield Profile - What United Need

34:31 Carrick's Character and Management Style

36:35 Champions League and What Success Looks Like

40:38 Summer Transfer Window - Who Should United Sign

45:40 Wrapping Up

If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing a weekly exclusive bonus episode, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Supporter funded episodes are ad-free. NQAT is available on all podcast apps and in video on YouTube. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review on Apple or Spotify.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices