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Michael Carrick says he has thoroughly enjoyed every moment since returning to Manchester United and insists he does not require a break after an intense four-month spell in charge.

The 44-year-old has exceeded expectations by revitalising the Red Devils’ campaign after taking over for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s contentious departure in January.

Under Carrick’s guidance, United have climbed to third place in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League. His impressive performance led the club to offer him a new contract extending his tenure until 2028, just before Sunday’s season finale against Brighton.

The former midfielder emphasised that his squad remains fully focused and not mentally on holiday ahead of the clash at the Amex Stadium. He also mentioned that he personally does not feel the need for rest, despite an action-packed 18-week stretch.

Carrick shared that his children’s A-levels and GCSEs have kept him from planning a holiday. When asked whether he needed a break after such a demanding period, he responded, “To be honest, no. I feel good. I think you get into the rhythm of working in different ways. I’m sure all of you have different hours, some work more than others. You get used to it, you get into the flow. I’ve loved it. I’ve loved every minute of it, so I certainly don’t feel that I need a break.”

The manager will need to maintain that same energy and focus heading into what promises to be a crucial summer. United are expected to strengthen their squad for the Champions League, particularly in midfield following Casemiro’s departure.

“As a football club, you always want to keep progressing,” Carrick said, hinting that Atalanta midfielder Ederson could be his first signing. “We certainly want to keep moving forward. I think everyone recognises where we are right now, the balance and direction we’ve found, and the position we’ve managed to achieve in the league. There’s still plenty of work to do, especially with certain players leaving.”

United will face a familiar opponent — and possibly a future transfer target — on Sunday, as they meet Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, whom the club had considered re-signing in recent years.

The 35-year-old striker, who came through United’s academy, scored 29 goals in 142 appearances for the club before moving to Arsenal in 2014. He later played for Watford before finding success with Brighton. Sunday’s fixture will mark his 400th Premier League appearance and offer another chance to add to the eight goals he has already scored against his former team, now managed by his old teammate Carrick.

“I’m delighted for him,” Carrick said of Brighton’s Players’ Player of the Season. “He’s scored against us too many times! Having known him since he was very young, he’s fantastic. I still call him a lad, though he’s an old man now—it makes me feel old seeing him at that age.”

“But I have huge respect for him. He was excellent when he came through the academy here and made a big impact. To go on and have the career he’s had, and still be playing so well at 35, says a lot about his mindset, mentality, and attitude. All those qualities allow a player to keep performing at that level. He deserves immense credit, and I’m genuinely thrilled to see him doing so well.”