Michael Carrick gives his first interview as Man United interim manager (Image: MUTV)
Michael Carrick has described his elation on returning to Manchester United as an “incredible feeling” and believes he is joining a “positive” dressing room. The club announced on Tuesday night that Carrick will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season. Mr Carrick has been unemployed since being sacked by Middlesbrough in June last year.
Despite leading Boro to the Championship play-offs in his first season at the Riverside Stadium, he was released after two lackluster seasons, finishing eighth and tenth respectively. The 44-year-old impressed Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada during the selection process and secured a return to United. He takes up the role vacated by Darren Fletcher, who managed United for the last two games following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
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Speaking to the club’s media team on Tuesday, Carrick said: “It’s an incredible feeling to come back through the door and be part of the club again.” “You know, it’s been part of my life for a long time. The fact that I’ve been away from the club for a number of years recently, it’s never really left me. I’m focused on getting the job done right away.”
“It’s a big responsibility and a big pleasure and an honor to be here, but we want to do a good job and this place deserves it. We’re very focused on starting and moving forward.”
Since Carrick’s last visit, Carrington has undergone significant renovations, particularly to the main training facility. “I’ve been here several times for various purposes, but I’ve never been inside the building. It was very impressive,” he commented.
“We want to be the best in class. We want to push the envelope, push the boundaries and always strive for further improvement. And certainly we want to push the building, the setup, the layout.”
Michael Carrick had a three-game stint as United’s caretaker manager in 2021 (Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“And I have to say that the atmosphere inside the building is very positive, really welcoming, and already a really good environment to settle in. When I entered the building…I felt calm and calm.”
“It felt very normal to me. I’m not making light of it, I just feel like I’m in a good place with good people who are pulling in the same direction.”
Reflecting on his time away from Old Trafford, Carrick admitted he has gained important experience since leaving United in 2021. “I’ve learned a lot. It’s been everything I knew about this (United) for a long time, and going to Middlesbrough I’ve learned so much.”
“Of course I made mistakes, too. You have your strengths. When you look back, you think you could have done better. That’s life and part of learning and getting better. I had some time, too. I feel like it’s a really good place to be here.”
Carrick will face his first test this weekend when Manchester City arrive at Old Trafford.
