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# Unseen Michael Carrick moment showed his class after Brighton vs Man United

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 25 May
- **Club:** Manchester United
- **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/unseen-michael-carrick-moment-showed-34007030

Four months of hard work had led to that moment, but Carrick is not one to blow his own trumpet, so he shunned the spotlight to make a beeline for a disappointed-looking Ayden Heaven instead.

Carrick could have lapped up the adulation from a delirious away section, but he spotted Heaven and spent around 30 seconds chatting to him.

Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia were introduced from the bench in the second half, but Heaven was an unused substitute. Carrick put his arm on Heaven's shoulder during the post-match celebrations and looked to reassure him.

Heaven nodded during his exchange with Carrick and looked to appreciate the gesture from the United boss, who demonstrated his selflessness at a time when some coaches might not have displayed such awareness.

Carrick's demeanour has made him a huge hit in the dressing room. United have gone from a head coach who would criticise his players in public to a head coach who will protect and encourage them at all costs.

The 44-year-old's strong relationship with his players was a factor in the board's decision to offer him a two-year contract. Carrick hung up his boots eight years ago, which makes it easy for him to relate to current squad members.

Ruben Amorim is younger than Carrick and had similar common ground with his squad, but Amorim would not hold back during press conferences, suggesting players were "struggling" or suffering with "anxiety".

Carrick does not get dragged into soap operas with the press, and a perfect example of his approach came when he was asked about Manuel Ugarte's form after last month's defeat to Leeds.

It was put to Carrick that Ugarte had won just one game from 10 as a starter this season. "Since I've come in, and he's played and come on, he's been fine. I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu," he said.

Ugarte has not played a single minute since Carrick defended him during that press conference. The United boss will go to bat for his players in public, but he is no soft touch behind the scenes.

Carrick's man-management is a strength. He is emotionally intelligent and able to recognise when a player needs reassurance, which is crucial in an era when young players usually do not respond well to criticism.

There is still a time and a place for the 'hairdryer treatment', of course. Carrick stormed down the tunnel at St. James' Park when United lost against Newcastle in March, and still looked angry when he spoke to the media.

However, there are other moments when a player needs an arm around the shoulder, which Carrick recognised when he spotted Heaven, who would have been understandably disappointed not to get on when Malacia received minutes.

Malacia was given a cameo ahead of his departure on a free transfer. Carrick demonstrated his class again by giving him a final appearance, a week after he encouraged fans to applaud the Dutchman during his end-of-season speech.

Carrick has everyone pulling in the same direction again, which is key at a club the size of United. After Nottingham Forest, he said: “I must admit, I felt there was a feeling, it felt a little bit different... I don't know, there was a real togetherness. There was a real kind of enjoyment."

Even the players who Carrick has regularly named on the bench have spoken of the team's spirit. Carrick seems to be a superb man-manager, which probably shouldn't be a surprise given he played under Sir Alex Ferguson.