Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager on a full-time basis after winning 11 of 16 games and helping the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League.
Michael Carrick has rapidly turned around Manchester United’s season (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has been officially appointed as Manchester United’s new permanent manager. Carrick, 44, has signed a contract until 2028 with the option of a further year after an impressive spell as the club’s caretaker manager.
Carrick won 11 of 16 games in the interim role, turning around the Red Devils’ season after firing Ruben Amorim in January. United’s improved form saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in three years, with a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday securing third place with one game in hand.
Commenting on his appointment, Carrick said: “I have felt the magic of Manchester United from the moment I arrived here 20 years ago. Taking on the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.”
“Throughout the past five months, this group of players has proven that they can reach the standards of resilience, cohesion and determination that we demand here.
“Now is the time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our amazing supporters deserve to once again challenge for the biggest honour.”
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Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s director of football, added: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. During his time in this role we have seen good results on the pitch, but more than that, his approach has been in line with the club’s values, tradition and history.”
“Michael’s achievements in leading the club to the Champions League should not be underestimated. He has built strong bonds with the players and we can be proud of Carrington and the winning culture in our dressing room, which we continue to build on.”
After recording wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, Carrick became a firm favorite to take the job full-time.
United officials checked the likes of Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola. But in the end they settled on the former midfielder, who won 18 major trophies during his 12 years at Old Trafford as a player.
CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox jointly recommended Carrick to join the club’s leadership. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe leads football decisions, but the final say remains with the Glazer family.
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Manchester United players are happy to keep Michael Carrick (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
It had been reported for several days that Carrick’s appointment had been agreed, but United waited until they had time to make a formal announcement.
Carrick recently took part in United’s recruitment meetings and work has already begun for the summer transfer window. Players and staff supported his appointment.
The 44-year-old’s only previous managerial experience came at Middlesbrough, where he spent two-and-a-half years at Riverside. Carrick also worked as United’s first-team coach between 2018 and 2021 under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
When he returned to Old Trafford in January, United were seventh in the Premier League table but had won just one of their last seven games in all competitions. Amorim was sacked in early January and Darren Fletcher took charge as interim manager for two games.
Carrick won each of his first four games, boosting United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. The Red Devils defeated rivals Liverpool 3-2 at home earlier this month to secure a place in Europe’s elite competition next season with three games remaining.
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