Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager until the end of the current season. His appointment was confirmed on Tuesday, following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Carrick's immediate task includes leading the team in their next fixture against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the primary objective of securing a European qualification spot in the Premier League.
Appointment and Club Context
Carrick's appointment as head coach for the remainder of the season follows a period of leadership transition at the club. Ruben Amorim departed Manchester United after a 14-month tenure, leading to interim managerial duties being temporarily handled by Darren Fletcher. Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, and will now return his focus to the under-18s, having declined a first-team role under Carrick.
The selection process for the interim role involved interviews conducted by United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, and director of football, Jason Wilcox. Co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, and Avram Glazer were reportedly present at the Carrington training complex to support the new manager. An executive committee meeting was also moved to Manchester to provide onsite leadership.
Backroom Staff Appointments
Carrick has assembled his backroom staff, which includes four individuals:
- Steve Holland: Formerly an assistant to Gareth Southgate with England and manager of Yokohama F Marinos.
- Jonathan Woodgate: Previously coached with Carrick at Middlesbrough and managed Middlesbrough and Bournemouth.
- Travis Binnion: Promoted from his position as under-21s lead coach.
- Jonny Evans: Continues on the staff, having previously worked with Darren Fletcher.
Club Objectives and Current Standings
Manchester United's primary objective for the remainder of the season, with 17 Premier League matches remaining, is to secure a European qualification spot. The club is currently positioned seventh in the Premier League table, three points behind a top-four position and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. A top-four finish would secure a return to the Champions League, with a top-five finish also considered likely to be sufficient.
The club has experienced early exits from both domestic cup competitions and is not participating in European football this season. This results in a schedule of 40 matches, marking their lowest number since the 1914/1915 campaign. Manchester United was recently eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton.
Carrick's Managerial and Playing History
This marks Carrick's second spell as an interim manager for Manchester United. He previously led the team for an unbeaten three-game period in November 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
From October 2022, Carrick served as head coach for Middlesbrough. He led the team to the Championship playoffs in his initial season before the club finished eighth and tenth in subsequent seasons. He was dismissed in June, prior to the scheduled end of his contract in June 2025.
As a player, Carrick spent 12 years at Old Trafford after joining from Tottenham in 2006. His playing career at the club included winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup, and three League Cups.
Long-Term Managerial Search
Manchester United's decision to appoint Carrick in a short-term capacity allows Director of Football Jason Wilcox to conduct a thorough recruitment process for a permanent manager over the coming months. Discussions had also occurred with former player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding a potential return to the club.
Statements regarding the long-term managerial position have been made by former Manchester United players. Gary Neville stated that Carrick should not be considered for the permanent head coach role beyond the current season, suggesting potential candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Carlo Ancelotti. Roy Keane echoed the sentiment that United should aim for "the best of the best" for the permanent role, mentioning Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique as potential options.