The boss has been recognised by top-flight decision makers after leading the Reds to sensational victories over the division’s top two, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Gleaning six points from those fixtures is impressive enough, but the brand of attacking, entertaining football has also caught the imagination and wowed fans around the world.
Carrick’s United dominated the Manchester derby and deservedly won 2-0, but it could have been even more, after three goals were disallowed for marginal offside calls.
Then came the thrilling 3-2 success at Mikel Arteta’s leaders, who struggled to contain our free-flowing football and hadn’t previously lost at the Emirates Stadium all season.