Michael Carrick returns to Manchester United just seven months after being sacked as Middlesbrough manager (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have announced that Michael Carrick will return to Old Trafford as interim head coach until the end of the season. The appointment comes a week after the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, with United saying it was to “give the team the best possible opportunity to achieve the best results in the Premier League”.
Carrick joins up in time for training on Wednesday as preparations for the Manchester derby progress. Former England No. 2 Steve Holland will join as Carrick’s assistant, while Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binion will form the backroom team. Former Newcastle and Leeds defender Woodgate was Carrick’s assistant at Middlesbrough, while Evans and Binion assisted Darren Fletcher in last week’s games against Burnley and Brighton.
The Scot was given the chance to remain on the first-team staff under Carrick, but has opted to return to his role as head coach of the Under-18s. Carrick now faces the task of taking the club out of the top four in seventh place and with three points, and making progress in European football. United are without a win in four games and haven’t tasted victory since beating Newcastle on Boxing Day.
United held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the former provided Carrick with the toughest competition. The former midfielder impressed chief executive Omar Berada and director of football Jason Wilcox during a face-to-face meeting last Thursday.
Both sides were impressed by Carrick’s vision during discussions and held further discussions on Monday in preparation for a deal. The club were playing against Solskjaer on Saturday. Carrick will return to Old Trafford in the 2021/22 season after his stint as caretaker manager.
Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach (Image: Getty)
He then won against Villarreal and Chelsea, and drew against Arsenal, leaving him with an unbeaten record. The former United star has decided to leave the Theater of Dreams to replace manager Ralf Rangnick, ending a three-year spell at the club under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer that began after his retirement in 2018.
Within a year, he was appointed manager of Middlesbrough, taking over mid-season and taking the Championship team from 21st to 4th place. Boro lost to Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals, and although they reached the last four of the League Cup for the first time in 20 years, they finished eighth the following season, winning the first leg 1–0 but losing to Chelsea.
Carrick signed a three-year contract in the summer of 2024, but was released after finishing 10th last season. Commenting on his appointment, Carrick said: “It is an honor to take on the responsibility of leading Manchester United.
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“I know what it takes to be successful here. My focus now is to help our players reach the standards we expect at this great club, and I know this team is more than capable.”
“I have already worked with some of the players and have continued to follow the team closely in recent years. I have full faith in their talent, dedication and ability to succeed here. There is still much to compete for this season. We are ready to bring everyone together and deliver the performance that our fans’ loyal support deserves.”
Director of Football Jason 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 squad for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”
The club also thanked Fletcher for taking over as interim manager and explained how the Scot will remain at the club as lead coach of the Under-18 team.
