Carrick On My Way

Manchester United are no closer to appointing a new manager; with names like Zinedine Zidane; Mauricio Pochettino & Lucien Favre being bandied about. One thing that is clear however; is that Michael Carrick will NOT be the manager; he is only here on an interim basis.

In any case; his new charges got off to a bright start; winning 2-0 away at La Liga showstoppers Villarreal to book their place in the last 16 of the coveted UEFA Champions League tournament.

Truth be told; it was not the greatest game in the world. Both teams played like they didn't wanna lose rather than going for the win; and while the home side did have the better chances; they found Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea in inspired form.

In the end; their profligacy in front of goal proved costly; as a shocking error from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli presented Cristiano Ronaldo with a relatively easy chance to lob over him. And Jadon Sancho; looking a different person out on the right wing; capped off the win with a searing finish right near the end after a swift counter-attack.

Overall; United did not improve that much if truth be told; but the fact that they stood firm and took their chances mean it is a very encouraging start for Carrick and the new era.