Michael Carrick Set to Lead Manchester United as Interim Manager
Manchester United has reached a preliminary agreement with Michael Carrick to serve as interim manager until the end of the 2025-26 season, according to a club insider. Reports indicate that details are being finalized, and Carrick is expected to complete the necessary paperwork soon.
The 43-year-old former player has already been seen arriving at the Carrington training facility, where he is set to speak with director of football Jason Wilcox. Last Thursday, Carrick met with top club officials, including chief executive Omar Berrada and Wilcox, and is believed to have impressed them with his ideas for the team’s future and coaching approach.
Carrick is familiar with the role, having stepped in as caretaker manager for three matches after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was let go in November 2021. He has also been part of the first-team coaching staff under both Solskjaer and José Mourinho.
He takes over from Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed earlier this month following two consecutive 1-1 draws against Wolves and Leeds. Darren Fletcher, who temporarily managed the team, oversaw a 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Brighton.
Carrick is anticipated to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, marking a shift from the three-man defense employed by Amorim. His first challenge will be a crucial Manchester derby against second-placed City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United is heading into this match on a tough streak, having not won any of their last four games. Their most recent win was on Boxing Day against Newcastle United.
Club legend Solskjaer was also in the running for the interim role and spoke with the club’s leaders. However, sources suggest Carrick was chosen due to his more hands-on coaching style.
Following this change, Fletcher will return to his former position with the Under-18 team. Although he remains a valued member of the coaching setup, both he and the club feel that a return to youth development is the best path forward.
Carrick faces a challenging situation, with his new team sitting seventh in the Premier League—17 points behind leaders Arsenal—and already out of both domestic cup competitions. The recent FA Cup exit means United may face their shortest season since 1914-15, with only 40 matches left to play.
Carrick’s Experience
Carrick brings a wealth of experience, having made 464 appearances for United during his playing days, where he collected five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
As a manager, he had a mixed experience at Middlesbrough. He joined the Championship side in October 2022, then led them from 21st place to a fourth-place finish and a playoff spot in his first season. They also reached the League Cup semi-finals in the following season.
Sadly, Middlesbrough couldn’t maintain that momentum, finishing eighth and tenth in his last two seasons, which ultimately led to his departure in June last year.
