Ahead of the Manchester derby, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick sat down for an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, discussing the team's performance since returning to the Champions League, the evolution of the Manchester derby over the years, and the team's midfield reinforcements this summer. This is the second part of the interview.

You were a midfielder yourself, and now the team has almost an entirely new core in midfield with many different options. How would you guide them at this stage of their careers? I remember when you joined Tottenham at 23, you might have been a few years older than some of them are now. You have André, Carlos Baleba, and of course Kobbie Mainoo. They're all very young in terms of age and experience. How would you guide them? Would you draw on your own career experiences to give them advice?

Yes. I think the key is how you help them in different ways without constantly pushing down their throats things like "this is how I used to do it when I played," because that's not the answer either. Of course, some of my career experiences can serve as a reference. I can use those to guide them a bit and provide some help.

We do have some young players here, and the fact that they have such game experience and ability at such a young age is very encouraging for our future. I do feel that I can help guide them. But ultimately, it's up to the players to do what they're good at, to show themselves, and they are doing that now. We're really very pleased with them.

You've talked about reinforcing the squad. I've attended many of your press conferences, and I know you've always felt that midfield was a priority position to strengthen in the transfer window, and now you believe the team has accomplished that. However, in terms of the playing style you want to implement, how far do you think this team is from truly becoming "Michael Carrick's team"? In other words, how far is it from the complete picture in your mind?

We're always looking for improvement. Listen, this is my team and my football club, so... but there are still some things we want to continue to improve.

I think even if you eventually start winning – and we believe we will, and hope to do so soon – there will always be something to push for, something to improve. It's never truly finished, never perfect, and never completely done.

However, we definitely feel we are moving in the right direction and have taken some good steps, and will continue to do so. I think we have made progress. In terms of results, we had hoped and expected to have more points at this stage. But in terms of performance in many games, as I said, we will continue to work hard and move in the right direction. That also gives us a lot of encouragement.

Let's talk specifically about one of the midfielders. I know we've discussed Kobbie Mainoo many times before, but regarding his progress, I still remember the game against Chelsea last season. After that game at Stamford Bridge, you talked about how impressed you were with his defensive work. Since then, or even before, what has been key to his development in that area? Is this something you've also discussed with him, drawing on your own experiences as a defensive midfielder? Or is it more something that comes naturally as he gains game experience? It feels like at this stage, he's increasingly understanding how to do these things.

I think experience certainly helps. Being able to play consistently, maintaining stability and game rhythm, and gaining confidence from that – all of these are very important. What I need to do is try to put different players in the right positions, allowing them to do what they're good at and play to their strengths.

At the same time, the players themselves must be willing to listen, willing to learn, and be clear about what the team expects from them. Kobbie has always been improving. At his age, that's what you hope to see, because he has a lot of room for growth ahead. It's also very exciting because he's already doing some excellent things now. He's been performing well in the months since we started working together.

So I'm very much looking forward to seeing what potential he truly possesses and how he can maximize that in the coming weeks, months, and even years.

Do you feel he's about to take another step up? Watching him play every week, it feels like he's improving in all aspects of his game almost weekly, as if he's reached a tipping point to reach another level.

Yes, that's the process of growth. Sometimes it also requires some trial and error. As a young player, you try things to see what works and what might not; what needs adjustment and how you need to adapt.

Whether it's with the ball or without, or in any other aspect, there's that process. As a young player, you're bound to make mistakes sometimes, because only then can you slowly understand the extent to which you can do certain things. And Kobbie now looks really steady and very confident. He's doing a lot of good things right now.

Let's talk about Marcus Rashford. In this type of game, he has an excellent record in Manchester derbies against Manchester City, and he's also performed exceptionally well against other strong teams in the league. You've known him for a long time. Do you think this kind of game is one he particularly enjoys? Does he relish such fixtures and often perform at his best in them?

As you said, that certainly has been the case in the past. He knows what these games require and what it feels like to play in them. He also knows what he's capable of.

Marcus has been through a lot at this football club and has had some very good times. As you said, he's had a decisive impact in some important games, some of which were the most important ones. Hopefully, he can do that more in the future.

Speaking of this derby, you and Enzo Maresca actually have some similarities – you both returned to clubs where you had previous experience. I know that when you first came back, your familiarity with the players and staff immediately came into play. But now, several months have passed since January – how much has that familiarity helped you in truly building this team?

Undoubtedly, knowing this football club, having that familiarity with it, and understanding it have helped me immensely. This cannot be overlooked. Regarding the environment here, the external expectations, what it truly feels like to be here, and what we aim to achieve – I'm very clear about what I'm facing. This helps me a lot because these are all experiences I've lived through.

Moreover, I'm in a position where I feel very familiar and comfortable, which is equally important.

Both clubs have undergone many changes over the years, including in club leadership, head coaches, and players. For Manchester United, there's now you, as well as Wilcox, Omar Berrada, and other members of the club's management. Do you feel that a sufficiently solid foundation has now been established to truly pursue short-term and long-term success?

Yes, I believe that to achieve success, you must have a strong foundation and solid base. You need to move step by step in the right direction and stay on the right path as consistently as possible. Of course, there will be ups and downs in this process – that's part of the journey. It can't always be smooth sailing.

But you need to maintain stability and calmness and understand what it truly takes to achieve success. We've made great progress and taken significant steps. Now, as a whole squad, we're also a stronger team.

So we feel that we already have a foundation upon which we can take the next steps. Of course, it's up to us to do it. Everyone is trying to do the same thing, but I think we're in a good position right now.

Last question, Michael. Speaking of the Manchester derby, what are your favorite memories? For example, the 2009 game when Michael Owen scored the winning goal. I remember you came on as a substitute in the 93rd minute, and then he scored about three minutes later. What are your favorite memories of this derby?

That semi-final certainly counts as one. I can't remember what the competition was called back then, but it was the League Cup. We won that game in the final stages – I scored, and Wayne also scored a header. That was a very good day. And Robin's goal in the last minute at the Etihad. Of course, there was also when we last won the league title, and Michael's goal at the Stretford End. There have indeed been some very exciting games over the years. I hope we're the ones who win on Sunday.

You didn't mention Wayne Rooney's bicycle kick, but that's okay. I just worry he might be watching, so I felt I had to mention it.

Right, I forgot that one (laughs). But yes, that was indeed a very special goal.

Related reading:

Carrick: Today's Manchester derby has a different meaning, we are very much looking forward to this game

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