The "honeymoon period" at Old Trafford has turned into a historic revolution. As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Michael Carrick has officially equalled the Premier League record for the most points earned by a manager in their first nine games in the competition.
Following Manchester United's gritty 2–1 comeback win against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Carrick has now amassed 23 points from a possible 27, matching thelegendary start made by Ange Postecoglou during his debut season with Tottenham.
Inside the Run: The 23-Point Journey
Carrick's 23 points are built on a foundation of tactical flexibility and "calm under fire." Here is how he reached the mountaintop:
The 2021 Prologue: Before Ralf Rangnick took over, Carrick led United for two PL games—a 1–1 draw at Chelsea and a 3–2 win over Arsenal. (4 points).
The 2026 Resurgence: Since replacing Ruben Amorim in January 2026, he has been nearly flawless. He kicked off with seismic wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, followed by victories over Fulham, Tottenham, and Everton. (19 points from 7 games).
The Palace Clincher: Sunday’s win over Palace saw United go behind early for the first time at home under Carrick. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko ensured the record was matched in dramatic fashion.
The Verdict: While the shadow of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s early success lingers as a cautionary tale, Carrick’s tactical sophistication feels different. He has balanced the defense while unlocking the 100/100 version of Bruno Fernandes.