Michael Carrick, who overtook Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the race to become Manchester United’s interim manager, was an assistant coach at Old Trafford from 2018 to 2021.
Michael Carrick has worked with some of the Manchester United squad (Image: Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It has been reported that a number of Manchester United’s prominent players would welcome Michael Carrick back to the club if he takes over as interim manager. Former United star Carrick has secured pole position and will be in charge of the Red Devils for the remainder of the season.
Carrick, 44, is expected to hold further talks with club executives on Monday to flesh out the coaching staff and finalize details of a short-term deal. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with United last week but little progress was made.
From July 2018 to December 2021, Carrick was an assistant coach at United, first under Jose Mourinho and then Solskjaer. Although the squad has changed dramatically since then, ESPN reports that Carrick is backed by some senior players at Old Trafford.
He added that his personality and leadership skills had impressed United’s senior players. Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Tom Heaton are the only players remaining at the club who worked under Carrick.
No final decision has been made, but United hope to name a new caretaker manager early this week. On Saturday, the Red Devils host Manchester City in a local derby.
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Darren Fletcher has managed United’s last two games. They drew 2-2 against Burnley and lost 2-1 against Brighton. The latter resulted in elimination from the FA Cup.
That means United will only be able to play 17 more games this season. Carrick’s mission will be to finish in the top four and guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League.
Carrick has also enjoyed working with United’s players, praising Fernandes, who captained him last year, in particular. “Yes, I like Bruno. I worked with him and Ole and he’s great,” the five-time Premier League winner said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
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Michael Carrick praised Bruno Fernandes in a speech in July 2025 (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
“He’s a real talent…he’s desperate to do well. He’s very keen to do well and that’s a really positive thing. And sometimes he can go too far and it’s a very fine balance. But his attitude, he plays every game, he doesn’t miss training and he’s always there.”
“He put himself forward, he put himself forward, and for a while he was the main guy, he was really the talisman. And then when the moment was right, when we needed something, Bruno stepped up. I really enjoyed working with him. He asks questions, he makes demands, but he wants to do the right thing.”
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