Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has opened up on what he really thinks about the work Michael Carrick is doing at Old Trafford.

Carrick was given the United role on a full-time basis after an impressive spell as interim boss, during which he engineered a third-place finish and led the team back into the Champions League.

However, the beginning of the 2026/27 season has been anything but smooth for Carrick and his squad.

A defeat to newly-promoted Hull City on the opening day was followed by a painful draw against Everton and then Sunday’s surprise 1-0 loss to 10-man Manchester City.

United did register a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town and eased past Sabah FK in the Champions League, but those results have done little to calm supporters’ worries, with the overall displays often falling short of expectations.

Following the defeat to City, Carrick insisted that United are not dwelling on the difficulties they have faced so far and are instead concentrating on the matches ahead.

But the former midfield star will come under even greater scrutiny if the cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion and this weekend’s clash with Fulham do not produce the desired outcomes.

Mourinho, who previously had Carrick as part of his coaching staff at United, was recently asked for his view on his former player and protege.

The Real Madrid manager said, “He’s doing well, Michael, doing well.”

Mourinho added, “I’m happy with that.”

The Portuguese coach took charge of 144 matches as United manager between May 2016 and December 2018. During that spell, he guided the club to victories in the Community Shield, Europa League and League Cup.

Mourinho was succeeded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who decided to keep Carrick on his staff.