Carrick points to one key detail he looked for when appointing his Man Utd coaching staff

Michael Carrick has told what he looked for most in his coaching staff at Manchester United as they seek a Champions League place this season.

The former United midfielder has been given the manager's job until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

And after a succession of managers at Old Trafford since Alex Ferguson left more than 10 years ago, Carrick says balance is crucial in the coaching team he has put together.

"Probably the most important thing to be honest. I know a lot about the club, it has changed a little bit since I left, but I think in some ways that is a good thing, the freshness and I think that was important with the staff and to be strong to be able to do different things, and pull on different characters and dynamics," said Carrick.

Experienced Steve Holland, who was Gareth Southgate’s assistant during his eight years as England boss, has come in as has Jonathan Woodgate who worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough and played alongside sporting director Jason Wilcox at Leeds.

Former United defender Jonny Evans, under-21s coach Travis Binnion and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson complete the coaching set-up after the trio worked under Fletcher during his two-game spell in interim charge.

"Steve has an unbelievable wealth of experience at Chelsea, going through similar situations to this, a change of manager and dealing with that and staying successful," says Carrick.

"Jonathan I’ve known for years, he’s loyal, very knowledgeable, he’s the perfect balance to me personally, I think that’s important, I don’t want all the same. He challenges me, he’s done for the past three years and he’ll keep doing that.

"Trav, this club is about young players and having a line with the academy and a pathway, understanding what it means, helping the young players develop, push the young players when they need to be and he’s going to have a massive part in that.

"Jonny is someone who is close to me, everything he stands for I respect and I appreciate, he has unbelievable knowledge, he has come through the whole thing at this football club, he understands the day to day.

"There is a real balance of personalities and experience and I’m really happy about what we are going into. It’s a big job but I think we can do it."