Luke Littler hails ‘incredible’ impact made by Michael Carrick at Man Utd

Darts world champion Luke Littler has hailed the “incredible” impact made by Michael Carrick at Manchester United and called for the club to give him the manager’s job on a long-term basis if he can secure Champions League football.

Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham made it three wins out of three for former United skipper Carrick since he was named manager until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

There has been a marked change in the mood around the club as they have moved into the Premier League’s top four, and keen United fan Littler is backing Carrick to stay in the job if they qualify for the Champions League.

“With the results Ruben Amorim had, I think he had to go,” Littler said to BetMGM, sponsors of the 2026 Premier League Darts. “Michael Carrick has obviously come in and what he has done so far has been incredible.

“We need to keep it up now and, if we do finish in a Champions League spot, keep him for next season, bring some new signings in and back him.

“Of course, he doesn’t have a lot of experience in the Premier League or the Champions League. That isn’t everything and the way the team is playing at the moment, he is improving the players.

“Look at Patrick Dorgu, for example. He looks a different player at left wing than he did in Amorim’s system, much improved.”

United turned to Carrick on a short-term basis to allow themselves time to carefully consider the next long-term appointment. But if United’s recent form continues Carrick will surely become a serious candidate himself in similar fashion to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on whose staff Carrick worked.

“The team as a whole is getting even better and if we keep going the way we are, hopefully we can secure Champions League football,” Littler added.

“If Carrick does get United Champions League football he has to get the job permanently for me. He’s done an incredible job so far against some very good teams and the players are so much more confident.

“If things continue and the results stay positive, I think it will be very hard for the board not to appoint him.”