Manchester United have appointed former player and coach Michael Carrick as their interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. The 44-year-old, who enjoyed a hugely successful 12-year playing spell at Old Trafford, returns to the club in a leadership role after impressing executives during recent discussions.
Carrick reached a verbal agreement with the club on January 13, 2026, with the appointment confirmed later that day. Director of football Jason Wilcox led the process, alongside chief executive Omar Berrada, with final sign-off from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. Carrick edged out fellow former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after both held face-to-face interviews—Carrick on Thursday and Solskjaer on Saturday.
The decision prioritizes Carrick's deep knowledge of the club, his proven coaching ability, and his previous successful caretaker stint in 2021. As a player, Carrick made 464 appearances for United between 2006 and 2018, captaining the side and winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2008, and multiple domestic cups. After retiring, he joined Jose Mourinho's coaching staff in 2018, later serving under Solskjaer until Ralf Rangnick's arrival as interim boss in late 2021.
During that 2021 caretaker period following Solskjaer's dismissal, Carrick oversaw three unbeaten matches: a 2-0 Champions League win at Villarreal, a 1-1 Premier League draw at Chelsea, and a 3-2 league victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford. His calm demeanor, tactical clarity, and ability to connect with players earned widespread praise.
Carrick's most recent managerial experience came at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he was appointed in October 2022. He guided them from 21st to fourth place in his debut season, reaching the play-off semi-finals (lost to Coventry City). Though Boro missed the play-offs in subsequent campaigns, finishing eighth in 2023-24 and 10th in 2024-25, Carrick built a reputation for progressive, possession-based football and player development before departing in summer 2025.
Carrick inherits a United side in turmoil. Amorim, appointed in November 2024 after success at Sporting Lisbon, was sacked on January 5, 2026, after 14 months marked by inconsistent results, tactical disputes, and tensions with the hierarchy over recruitment and style. His win ratio stood at around 38%, the lowest for any permanent United manager in the Premier League era.
In the immediate aftermath, Under-18s coach and club legend Darren Fletcher stepped up as caretaker. He oversaw a 2-2 Premier League draw away to Burnley on January 7—where Benjamin Sesko scored a brace—and a disappointing 2-1 FA Cup third-round home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, with former United striker Danny Welbeck scoring the winner. The loss marked United's earliest exits from both domestic cups in decades, leaving them with only 40 competitive games this season—the fewest in a full campaign since 1914-15.
United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, with European qualification now the primary target. Carrick will oversee the remaining 17 league matches, starting with a high-stakes Manchester derby against second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17, 2026. A subsequent trip to Arsenal adds further pressure.
Carrick will be supported by an experienced backroom team. Former England assistant manager Steve Holland joins as his No. 2, bringing tactical expertise from his time under Gareth Southgate. Jonathan Woodgate, Carrick's former assistant at Middlesbrough, also arrives, alongside returning United defender Jonny Evans and Under-21s coach Travis Binnion. Fletcher, offered a role, declined and returns to the Under-18s to continue his development.
Carrick emphasized unity upon his appointment: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour. I know what it takes to succeed here.” Wilcox added: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United. He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”
The move signals a shift toward stability and familiarity amid ongoing challenges. Carrick is expected to transition from Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 to a more traditional 4-2-3-1, aligning with United's historical identity. With no cup distractions, focus turns to Premier League revival, player confidence, and laying groundwork for a permanent appointment in summer 2026.
As United navigate this turbulent period, Carrick's return evokes nostalgia for the club's glory days while offering a pragmatic path forward. Success in the coming months could strengthen his case for the full-time role, but failure risks prolonging the instability that has defined recent years.
