Manchester, United Kingdom – February 13, 2026 — Michael Carrick has been crowned the Premier League Manager of the Month for January 2026, capping off an extraordinary first full month in permanent charge of Manchester United following his appointment as head coach.
The former Manchester United midfielder, who stepped into the role on an interim basis in late 2025 before being handed the job permanently, guided the club to an impressive run of results that transformed their season trajectory. Carrick’s United secured four wins and one draw from their five Premier League matches in January, conceding just two goals while scoring 12.
Key highlights of the month included:
A commanding 3–0 home victory over title-chasing Arsenal
A hard-fought 2–1 away win at Tottenham Hotspur
A dominant 4–0 thrashing of relegation-threatened Southampton
A 2–2 draw against high-flying Newcastle United in a thrilling Boxing Day encounter
A 3–1 victory over West Ham United to round off the month
Carrick’s tactical shift toward a more possession-based, high-pressing style—combined with improved defensive organisation and renewed confidence in the attacking third—earned widespread praise. Young players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund flourished under his guidance, while experienced stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford rediscovered their best form.
Speaking after the award was announced by the Premier League on Thursday, Carrick said:
“It’s a great honour, but this is really about the players, the staff, and the supporters who have backed us every step of the way. January was a big month for us in terms of momentum, belief, and results. We still have a long way to go, but this recognition means a lot and shows we’re heading in the right direction.”
The award marks Carrick’s first Manager of the Month accolade since taking over from Erik ten Hag, whose tenure ended amid a poor run of form in late 2025. Carrick’s immediate impact has drawn comparisons to previous United interim-turned-permanent managers such as Ole Gunnar Solskjær, though many observers note that Carrick’s calm authority and tactical clarity have brought a quicker and more consistent turnaround.
Runners-up for the January award included Arne Slot (Liverpool), who maintained his side’s title challenge, and Unai Emery (Aston Villa), whose team continued their impressive European and domestic campaign. However, Carrick’s perfect record in four wins and one draw edged him ahead in the voting conducted by a combination of football journalists, broadcasters, and the Premier League’s technical panel.
Manchester United currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, just four points off the top four with a game in hand, and have re-entered the race for Champions League qualification. Fans and pundits alike have credited Carrick’s man-management, clarity in training sessions, and ability to simplify the team’s approach for the remarkable transformation.
The club’s next Premier League fixture is a crucial home clash against title contenders Manchester City on February 22, where Carrick will look to continue the momentum that earned him the monthly accolade.
Carrick’s success has also sparked renewed debate about the value of promoting from within rather than seeking high-profile external appointments. Many United supporters now view the former midfielder—once a quiet but vital presence in midfield under Sir Alex Ferguson—as the right man to lead the club into a new era.
The Premier League Manager of the Month award is the latest individual honour for Carrick since taking charge, following earlier praise from players, staff, and supporters for restoring belief and identity at Old Trafford.
As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on whether Carrick can sustain the January form and guide Manchester United back into the upper echelons of English and European football.
