Michael Carrick has returned to Manchester United as head coach for the remainder of the season following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, and has given his first interview since being appointed.
Michael Carrick gives his first interview as Man United caretaker manager (Image: MUTV)
Michael Carrick has described his return to Manchester United as an “incredible feeling”. The club announced on Tuesday night that Carrick would be appointed manager for the remainder of the season.
Carrick has been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough in June last year. He led Boro to the Championship play-offs with an impressive debut at the Riverside Stadium, but was sacked after two underwhelming seasons in which they finished 8th and 10th respectively.
The 44-year-old won over Jason Wilcox and Omar Berada during the process of re-joining United, and will be in charge for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
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Carrick spoke to club media on Tuesday about his feelings. “It’s an incredible feeling to come back through the door and be part of the club again,” he said.
“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.”
Carrington has undergone renovations since Carrick last visited the practice’s main facilities. “I’ve been here several times for various purposes, but I’ve never been inside the building. It was very impressive,” he said.
Michael Carrick served as United’s caretaker manager for three games in 2021 (Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“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.”
“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 had gained valuable experience since leaving United in 2021, adding: “I’ve learned a lot. It’s been all 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 play his first Test this weekend when Manchester City visit Old Trafford.
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