Carrick wins Manager of the Month

Carrick was appointed as our head coach on 13 January, so was only in charge for two games during this period.

But his impact was huge, as the Reds powered to a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford.

Even better was to follow, as we came from behind to beat leaders Arsenal, 3-2, at the Emirates Stadium.

Michael has since gone on to extend his unbeaten record as United boss, with further victories against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, followed by Tuesday’s draw at West Ham United.

Ever the team player, he was keen to share the credit around after being presented with the award at Carrington.

“It’s nice and it shows that we’ve had a very good start, you know, but let’s be honest, it’s not just about me really,” Carrick said.

“I think it’s about everyone, you know: it’s about the staff, the coaching staff, the backroom staff, the players definitely.

“It shows that we've had a good start, which is very pleasing.”

The boss beat Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Chelsea's Liam Rosenior and Nottingham Forest's Sean Dyche, who has since departed The City Ground, to the accolade, following a public vote.

Beating the division’s top two sides was clearly a driving force and he reflected on how the squad dealt with such a tough undertaking.

“The boys have been good,” he continued. “It’s not easy with change and to click into gear and to perform the way they have done in different types of games has probably been as pleasing as anything.

“Obviously the first two games, in some ways, they take care of themselves because of the emotion and how everyone’s kind of up for them but the games after them have been, for me, just as good to see the boys’ reaction and the quality of the play.

“Going into those games, it was challenging and then, three days before the City game [me and the staff] come in… again, that's why I credit the players for putting themselves forward really, and reacting to change.

“But certainly those two games give you a massive boost of all sorts of emotions to use moving forward, which was the key.

“After those games are done, it’s what happens next and that's what I've been really delighted with, the reaction after that.”