David de Gea backs Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach - 'He's doing an amazing job'
Updated 10/04/2026 at 08:32 GMT+1
React to this story
Michael Carrick has transformed the fortunes of Manchester United since he took over as interim head coach in January. And former United goalkeeper David de Gea says his former team-mate is doing an "amazing job" at Old Trafford. De Gea was speaking after his Fiorentina team lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final at Selhurst Park.
De Gea believes 'great guy' Carrick is doing an 'unbelievable' job at Man Utd
Video credit: TNT Sports
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea says Michael Carrick is doing an "amazing job" at Old Trafford.
De Gea was back in England on Thursday night, as his new team Fiorentina lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg at Selhurst Park.
Asked how he thought Carrick was doing at United, De Gea told TNT Sports: "He's doing unbelievable. He's a great guy, he knows how the players feel, so it's easy to talk with him.
"He's doing an amazing job, United is winning a lot of games now, playing well.
"Hopefully we can get the Champions League spot and keep growing, growing, and let's see United again in the high positions and fighting for trophies."
Carrick was appointed as United interim head coach in January, following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/04/09/image-068155e1-eddb-449a-a349-c4b14c79bd52-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Highlights: Palace dominate Fiorentina as Mateta breaks drought
Video credit: TNT Sports
He has been in charge for ten Premier League games, with United winning seven and drawing two of them, with just one defeat.
United are currently in third place in the Premier League, with a golden chance of a top-five finish and a place in next season's UEFA Conference League.
The public backing of De Gea will not do Carrick's prospects of keeping the United job long term any harm.
De Gea was with United for 12 years, between 2011 and 2023, making 545 appearances.
The Spaniard was part of the team that won United's last Premier League title in 2012/13, the final season of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.
Under subsequent managers, De Gea helped United to two Carabao Cup successes, one FA Cup and one UEFA Europa League.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/04/09/image-d80ac8f7-0adf-458d-8909-68d45298e5eb.jpeg)
David De Gea in action against Crystal Palace on Thursday night
Image credit: Getty Images
On the pitch, it was an unhappy night for De Gea and his Fiorentina team-mates on Thursday.
Palace claimed a fine 3-0 win at Selhurst Park, leaving the Italians with the toughest of uphill tasks to reach the semi-finals.
Fiorentina will have to produce a major recovery in next Thursday's second leg, which will be live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
As for United, they are next in action in the league at home to Leeds on Monday night, ending a 24-day wait for a game.
Carrick, speaking during United's training camp in Ireland this week, said: "The 24-day gap seems like a long time but factoring in the internationals, it’s worked out alright to be honest.
- ‘He was wrong’ – Fernandez agent confirms Chelsea apology after Real comments
- Robertson to leave Liverpool at end of the season
- Alisson ‘opens door’ to Liverpool exit, Madrid chase Olise - Euro Transfer News
"Players are still playing, training, going away and getting a bit of a fresh environment as well, not having to rush back from internationals.
"It’s given the boys an extra few days to spend time with their families or wherever they’ve ended up being.
"It doesn’t feel as long and we’ve ended up with a good week of prep going into Leeds on Monday night which is pretty normal, so I think we’ve made the best of it."
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement