Michael Carrick has officially been appointed as the interim head coach of Manchester United until the end of the 2025-26 season. The 43-year-old former midfielder has already begun his duties at the club's Carrington training base, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick's return to the Old Trafford dugout follows his previous stint as caretaker manager in 2021, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
Carrick had a meeting last Thursday with senior club officials, including chief executive Omar Berrada and Wilcox, where he impressed them with his vision for the squad and long-term coaching philosophy. In his first public address since the appointment, featured on the 'Inside Carrington Podcast', Carrick expressed his excitement about returning to the club and acknowledged the weight of responsibility he carries. He aims to implement an "exciting" and "positive" style of play, with the ultimate goal of winning games and improving individual player performance. Carrick emphasized that the core values of hard work, humility, and a collective fighting spirit must be embodied by Manchester United players as the foundation for success.
Carrick is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, signaling a shift away from the three-man defence favored by Amorim. His first match in charge will be a high-pressure Manchester derby against second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. United is currently on a troubling run of form, having failed to win any of their last four matches.
Carrick replaces Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed earlier this month after consecutive 1-1 draws against Wolves and Leeds. Darren Fletcher then took temporary charge, overseeing a 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley before a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Brighton. Fletcher will now return to his previous role with the Under-18 side.
Carrick inherits a team in crisis, sitting seventh in the Premier League table and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. The FA Cup exit against Brighton has left United facing their shortest season since 1914-15, with just 40 matches to play.
It is worth noting that, during Carrick's time as Middlesbrough manager, his determination to maintain a possession-based, patient passing game was admirable but ultimately led to his dismissal. After Middlesbrough finished a disappointing 10th in the Championship last season, the club instigated an in-depth review of the season. Despite initially being reluctant to sack Carrick, a turning point was reached when Carrick seemed disinclined to alter the team's style.
