How Michael Carrick’s sure touch meant Man United’s big gamble paid off

SportFootballHow Michael Carrick’s sure touch meant Man United’s big gamble paid offCarrick’s decision-making has ensured United committing nearly all of their transfer budget on attackers has been vindicated with a return to the Champions LeagueRichard Jolly Senior Football Correspondent Tuesday 28 April 2026 12:16 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966320","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-champions-league-michael-carrick-news-b2966320.html","title":"How Michael Carrick’s sure touch meant Man United’s big gamble paid off"}}CloseCarrick praises squad for grinding out win in ‘crucial’ stage of seasonJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insightsJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletterTRY 1 MONTH FOR FREEI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Football_CDP","regTitle":"Miguel Delaney: Inside Football","subscriptionGroup":"readingTheGame","subscriptionGroupId":"d6776bff-0bec-4d53-a0ce-bd38db6811e5","type":"football","pathPrefix":["/sport/football","/topic/fantasy-football"],"associatedAuthors":["Miguel Delaney","Richard Jolly"],"title":"Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights","mobileTitle":"Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/miguelDelaney1_1.png","newsletterKey":"receiveIndyFootballNews","regSourceSection":"Football","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}Mission almost accomplishe...