Man Utd retains 'magic' feel for Carrick

Michael Carrick feels that the charm surrounding Manchester United endures despite prolonged struggles on the pitch as he embarks on his interim role as manager at Old Trafford.

The former midfielder took over as head coach until the season concludes this week, confronting an immediate stern test with Manchester City arriving on Saturday.

For decades, City lingered in the shadow of United within their shared city, yet they have dominated their neighbours since Alex Ferguson exited Old Trafford in 2013.

City has outranked United in the standings each of the last 12 seasons and appears poised to extend that streak this term.

United occupy seventh spot in the Premier League, trailing Pep Guardiola side by 11 points.

Nonetheless, Carrick rejected claims of rejoining a club devoid of its spirit.

"I absolutely do not view it as lifeless," stated Carrick, who claimed 12 significant honours across his illustrious spell as a player for the Red Devils.

"I sense a special aura here. I experience it. I feel settled right away upon entering the structure and its environs.

"I have spent considerable time in these surroundings and only stepped back briefly, yet I maintain that a magical quality persists. It is hard not to notice it."

Even with his temporary arrangement, Carrick affirmed his commitment to the clubs broader goals and left the door open to extending his stay should his stewardship yield positive results.

"We remain grounded regarding our current position, the purpose of my involvement, and the duties I must fulfil," he continued.

"This outlook alters neither our routine operations nor our emphasis on choices that serve the teams enduring aims and the composition of the roster. 

"I am not approaching this as merely enduring week by week or match by match, simply advancing through them.

"Our intention is to strategise for advancement past this campaign, and irrespective of the present circumstances, the elements I can influence involve our input to the players and cultivating the right vibe within the squad."