Michael Carrick has hinted at a full-time move into management as his time in charge of Manchester United nears its end.
Thursday’s game with Arsenal should be the former midfielder’s last game as caretaker before Ralf Rangnick takes over as interim for the rest of the campaign, with Carrick among his backroom staff.
Until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, the 40-year-old had never taken the hotseat at any club but he insists the move from assistant to manager is “not as much of a step up as people think”.
Carrick was asked on Wednesday whether he was looking to learn from German veteran Rangnick and he told reporters: “I think you always have your own ideas, whether it's players, coaches, managers or whoever.
“As an individual, there are certain things you prefer, that come naturally to you.
“I'm always prepared to learn, I've learnt an awful lot this week, learned on the job, but having been pretty close and seen what's gone on in recent years, it's not been as much of a step up as people think.”
Carrick has claimed a win at Villarreal and a draw at Chelsea in an impressive if unspectacular stint as caretaker, and can leave United knocking on the door of the top four if he can beat Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Aware of his inexperience, the ex-England international has discovered a fresh sense of confidence from the role.
“A lot has happened in the last week to 10 days,” he added. “I have certainly had to adapt and take on a new challenge and different skill sets.
“I've enjoyed seeing how I've coped with that at times. You don't know until you are in this situation.
“Sometimes you have to learn on the job and that has been the case but, I have to say, for the most part of it I have enjoyed it.”
