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Carrick's backroom choices spark debate
Manchester United's interim manager has faced criticism for surrounding himself with familiar faces, yet former Premier League boss Tony Pulis argues the appointments are both deliberate and defensible.
Setting the compass early
Every new manager's first task is to align inherited departments with their own vision. Within days, non-negotiable principles-work ethic, tactical identity-must be communicated to players and staff who have never worked under the new leader. That clarity, Pulis explains, inevitably creates friction with existing personnel.
To ensure the message remains unfiltered, Pulis contends, a manager must install trusted lieutenants. Without them, the sheer volume of off-pitch duties can erode focus on matchdays.
The trio Carrick selected
Critics have dismissed the appointments as cronyism, but Pulis offers a different perspective on each hire.
Steve Holland: the seasoned tactician
Holland, Carrick's assistant, previously worked with Pulis at Stoke City and has since collaborated with elite managers, amassing domestic and continental silverware. His decade-long role with the England national team further honed his ability to organise game-specific sessions. Pulis expects Holland's experience to prove invaluable in shaping United's tactical setup.
Jonathan Woodgate: the players' advocate
Known universally as "Woody," Woodgate joined Carrick after a coaching stint at Middlesbrough under Pulis. Though his managerial tenure was challenging, Pulis believes those trials have sharpened his ability to connect with players. A former top-flight defender, Woodgate understands the complexities of United's squad and will help foster the cohesion Carrick seeks. Their two-and-a-half-year partnership at Middlesbrough has already built a foundation of mutual trust.
Jonny Evans: the bridge to youth
Evans, a recent signing to Carrick's staff, played under Pulis at West Bromwich Albion and was noted for his professionalism and willingness to speak his mind. Though lacking formal coaching experience, Evans brings an intimate knowledge of United's culture from his playing days. Pulis highlights Evans' potential to reconnect the first team with the youth academy-a tradition that has waned in recent years. His close ties with Darren Fletcher, another former United player, could further strengthen that link.
A calculated blend
Pulis interprets Carrick's selections as a strategic mix: an experienced coach (Holland), a technical coach (Woodgate), and a liaison between senior and youth teams (Evans). Together, they address the core needs of alignment, player engagement, and long-term development.
The modern backroom challenge
Pulis contrasts today's managerial demands with his early days under Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth in the early 1990s. Then, a manager might oversee first-team coaching, youth development, and even administrative tasks with a skeleton staff. Modern clubs, however, require a broader support network to manage larger squads and more complex operations.
Pulis recalls his long-standing partnership with assistant Dave Kemp, who handled media scrutiny, player negotiations, and logistical details, allowing Pulis to focus on coaching. Later, he brought in Gerry Francis to provide additional experience and perspective, particularly in navigating relationships with executives and owners.
As squads expanded, Pulis also integrated younger coaches like Mark O'Connor and Ady Pennock to maintain morale among non-starting players. These coaches specialised in high-energy training sessions and acted as sounding boards for frustrated squad members, preserving dressing-room harmony.
The ultimate metric
While Pulis defends Carrick's staffing decisions as logical, he underscores the unyielding reality of football: results dictate everything. Without victories, even the most thoughtful backroom structure will be rendered irrelevant.
"Michael has to win games. If he doesn't, all of the above counts for nothing."
Tony Pulis
