The missing Michael Carrick moment showed his class after Brighton vs Manchester United

Michael Carrick took time out to speak to a player who was not on the pitch during Man Utd’s win over Brighton.

Michael Carrick would have been forgiven for giving himself a rare pat on the back after Manchester United’s win over Brighton on the final day of the season. He only oversaw a 3–0 win in his first game in charge after his permanent appointment.

Four months of hard work had led to this moment, but Carrick wasn’t about to boast, so instead he lit the spotlight for a dejected-looking Aydenhaven.

Carrick could have enjoyed an exciting period, but he saw Heaven and spent about 30 seconds talking to him.

In the second half, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia came on from the bench, while Heaven remained an unused substitute. Carrick put his arm around Haven’s shoulder during the post-match celebrations and looked to reassure him.

Jannat nodded during his exchange with Carrick and appeared to appreciate the gesture from the United boss, who showed his selflessness at a time when some coaches have demonstrated no such awareness.

Carrick’s demeanour has influenced him in the dressing room. United have gone from a head coach who would publicly criticise his players to one who would protect and encourage them no matter what.

The 44-year-old’s strong relationship with his players was a factor in the board’s decision to offer him a two-year contract. Carrick hung up his boots eight years ago, which makes it easy to relate to current squad members.

Ruben Amorim is younger than Carrick and shares similar common ground with the team, but Amorim would not hold back during press conferences, suggesting players were “struggling” or suffering from “anxiety.”

Jannat appreciated Carrick’s gesture.

Carrick is not dragged into a soap opera with the press, and a prime example of his approach came when he was asked about Manuel Ugarte’s form after last month’s defeat to Leeds.

Carrick was told Ugarte has won just one of 10 games as a starter this season. “Ever since I came in, and he’s played and he’s been going, he’s been fine,” he said. “I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu,” he said.

Ugarte has not played a minute since Carrick defended him during that press conference. The United boss will go to bat for his players in public, but he is no softie behind the scenes.

Carrick’s man-management is a strength. He is emotionally intelligent and able to recognise when a player needs reassurance, which is important in an era when young players don’t usually respond well to criticism.

Of course, there is still a time and a place for the ‘hair dryer treatment.’ Carrick stormed the tunnel at St James’ Park during United’s defeat to Newcastle in March and appeared furious when speaking to the media.

However, there are other moments when a player needs an arm around the shoulder, and Carrick recognised this when he saw Haven, who must have been understandably disappointed that Malasia didn’t get on the pitch when he got minutes.

He was given a cameo before departing on a free transfer to Malaysia. Carrick showed his class once again in the final, a week after he encouraged fans to praise the Dutchman during his end-of-season speech.

Carrick has everyone pulling in the same direction again, which is key at a club of United’s size. After Nottingham Forest, he said, “I must admit, I felt there was a feeling; it felt a bit different… I don’t know; there was a real togetherness, a real kind of enjoyment.

Even the players Carrick has regularly named on the bench have spoken of the team’s spirit. Carrick appears to be a brilliant man manager, which we should perhaps expect given that he played under Sir Alex Ferguson.