Ben Foster has noted that Michael Carrick and Manchester United face a significant Premier League challenge in the coming weeks.
Since taking over as interim head coach after Erik ten Hag’s departure in January, Carrick has led the team to five matches without a loss.
The 44-year-old guided United to four consecutive victories, but their winning streak was nearly broken this week.
Tomas Soucek scored for West Ham early in the second half at the London Stadium, but Benjamin Sesko’s late goal ensured United secured a draw.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
While Carrick remains unbeaten, Foster suggests there is more work ahead for him to establish himself as the long-term choice for United.
Foster identifies the upcoming match against Arsenal as a crucial test for Carrick. Although it wasn’t technically Carrick’s first game in charge, he had already started working with the squad around that time.
“There is no better test at the minute than going away to play Arsenal because you know what you’re going to get,” Foster said on Amazon Prime Video Sport (19 March).
Ben Foster highlights Aston Villa as a significant test for Manchester United’s top-four ambitions
Manchester United is still in contention for a Premier League top-four finish after earning a point against West Ham earlier this week.
The Red Devils are just one point ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, and eight points behind second-placed Manchester City.
United’s crucial matchup with Aston Villa in March is one that Foster believes will be a substantial challenge for Carrick’s team.
“Villa scares you,” Foster said on the Fozcast podcast. “Villa are a problem either way. It’ll be a tough game either way.”