Teddy Sheringham Reveals First Thing Sir Alex Ferguson Would Do As Interim Boss

Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham has named the first thing that Sir Alex Ferguson would do today if he had become interim manager at Old Trafford.

Former United midfielder Michael Carrick won his first game in interim charge 2-0 against Manchester City on Saturday.

The 44-year-old replaced Ruben Amorim, who was sacked by United at the beginning of January after under 14 months in charge.

Carrick faces another huge test on Sunday, as his United side travel to take on Premier League table-toppers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

He is the 10th different manager to take charge on a defined interim basis - rather than as a caretaker manager - since Ferguson retired from his role at the end of the 2012/13 season.

United are expected to appoint another new permanent manager in the summer - which, according to , is a reason why Carrick got the job over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the Norwegian hoped to be able to take over permanently himself.

Michael Carrick will take charge of his second game as interim boss against Arsenal (Image: Getty)

Speaking exclusively to SPORTbible via online casino provider Mr Q, 1999 Champions League winner Sheringham believes that Carrick has approached the job so far in a similar way to how Ferguson would have done if he was in the same position.

"I don't think you can go in there shouting and hollering," Sheringham said.

"I think Michael's just gone in there and put his arm around people and encouraged people, and told them what might be expected from the Manchester United supporters. Because sometimes you lose that.

"You've got to understand what a privilege it is to play for Manchester United. That's where Sir Alex always reverted to if we had any dodgy performances.

"He talked about the privilege of playing for Manchester United, and that's what it's all about."

Sheringham says he spotted a complete change in mindset for the City victory compared to Amorim's final weeks in charge - and pointed to a quote often used by another of his former managers in Terry Venables.

Sheringham won the 1999 Champions League with Man Utd (Image: Getty)

"Terry Venables used to say whenever you're losing games, you can't see yourself winning, and whenever you're winning games, you can't see yourself losing," the former England striker recalled.

"No-one expected that performance against Manchester City, but he's [Carrick] obviously told them to get out there and put the pressure on City, and get people in the box and create chances, and it worked.

"Now, all of a sudden, they've had that good result, and they're going to Arsenal with optimism rather than pessimism.

"It's amazing how quickly things turn around. So if they go with that same optimism at Arsenal, who knows where that can take them?"