Carrick brings a sense of calm

[Getty Images] Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick took time out to talk to the media who cover the club at the Carton House Hotel in Maynooth on Wednesday. The pre-season 'sit down' is a long-established United tradition. I have been fortunate enough to be part of them for 25 years now, dating back to 2002 in Amsterdam, four years before Carrick joined Manchester United as a player. There has only been a couple of occasions when the United boss of the day has refused to co-operate, once during Sir Alex Ferguson's time, the other in Jose Mourinho's. It is an opportunity to talk in semi-relaxed circumstances, away from the stresses of competing for league points and the turmoil that brings. Manchester United have had some box office managers down the years, Ferguson and Mourinho obviously, but also Louis van Gaal and Ruben Amorim, who admitted in the session in Chicago last year he often went to games fearing what was going to happen to his team. Carrick is not that type of character. He doesn't chase headlines or search for handy soundbites. Today he delivered expansive thoughtful answers on a range of topics. In a sense, he didn't say anything revelatory. Everyone knows Manchester United needs new signings, it was obvious he would be supportive of Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. But that is part of Carrick's appeal, calmless is a major strength. Make no mistake, he is no pushover, he is mentally tough. If something is not the way he wants, he will say so. Carrick brought stability to Old Trafford last season. Now he needs to push on. That may require a bit of help.