Peter Schmeichel Claims Manchester United Can Overhaul Manchester City Following Dominant Victory Under Michael Carrick

Peter Schmeichel believes Manchester United can overtake Man City this season and urges the club to appoint Michael Carrick as permanent manager.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 5:46 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Resurgence Under Carrick’s Leadership

The atmosphere at Old Trafford has undergone a dramatic shift since Michael Carrick assumed the role of interim head coach. Following a convincing 3-1 victory against Aston Villa—secured by goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko—United has moved up to third in the Premier League standings. Under the former Middlesbrough manager, the Red Devils have secured seven wins from nine matches, a run of form that has revitalized a squad that struggled for consistency earlier in the campaign. This tactical turnaround has prompted club legends to reconsider the team's ceiling for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Challenging the Dominance of Manchester City

Despite a seven point gap between the two Manchester clubs, Peter Schmeichel insists that catching Pep Guardiola’s side is a realistic objective. Following Manchester City’s recent 1-1 draw with West Ham, Schmeichel argued that United’s current "winning form" and surging confidence make them the most dangerous team in the race for the top spots. He noted that while the club has endured painful droughts in the past, the current momentum suggests that the gap to the elite is not as wide as previously feared. Schmeichel believes that with the right leadership, United could be competitive at the very top of the table much sooner than analysts expected.

The Case for a Permanent Appointment

Schmeichel has joined a growing chorus of former players calling for Michael Carrick to be given the managerial job on a full time basis. The legendary goalkeeper pointed out that United has already experimented with "big names" and "clever systems" that ultimately failed to deliver sustained success. He advocates for a "simple" approach, highlighting Carrick’s deep understanding of the club's culture and his ability to maximize the potential of the current roster. Schmeichel argues that providing Carrick with the authority to select his own players in the summer would provide the stability the squad has lacked for years.