Following the end of Ruben Amorim's stewardship at Manchester United after a hodgepodge 14-month period, Michael Carrick has been appointed as the ship-steadier until the end of the 2025/26 season. But this isn't the first time that Carrick, a former midfielder at Old Trafford, has been in the dugout as he took over on a caretaker basis between November and December 2021.
On that occasion, the Englishman took charge of just three matches – against Villarreal in the Champions League and two Premier League fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal – and walked away with two victories and the solitary draw, having maintained an unbeaten streak from start to finish.
His final match at the helm before being replaced by Ralf Rangnick was a 3-2 win over Arsenal and the squad at his disposal now is completely different to what he was working with five years ago. But what does the Wallsend-born man's final starting line-up, from that memorable victory over the Gunners, look like? And what are they all up to nowadays? Some are still at the club, but many have moved onto pastures new.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Carrick's previous stint coincided with the latter years of David de Gea's United career – and the Spaniard was, therefore, in between the sticks to limit Arsenal to two goals on away soil. No longer at his shot-stopping best by this point, De Gea now plies his trade for Fiorentina in Serie A and, after a terrific start, is now struggling as Paolo Vanoli's side flirt with the prospect of relegation to Italy's second tier.
Luke Shaw, the club's longest-serving active player, was on United's books at this point but Alex Telles did a lot of the heavy lifting in the left-back berth because of the Englishman's perennial injury issues. The Brazilian is now back in his homeland, playing for Botafogo. On the opposite flank was Diogo Dalot, who (somehow, in the eyes of many) remains the club's first-choice right-back.
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A decent servant across his eight-year spell at Old Trafford, seasoned Sweden international Victor Lindelof only left in the summer just gone – and it was Unai Emery at Aston Villa who capitalised on his free agency. At 31 years old, he provides the top four-chasing side with plenty of expertise. His partner in crime, Harry Maguire, is still at the club and will soon overtake Lindelof's appearance tally.
Michael Carrick's Final Man Utd Team In 2021 – Where Are They Now?
Position
GK
LB
CB
CB
RB
Midfielders
The first of Carrick's three-man midfield constellation, Fred – full name Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos – was a divisive figure for the Old Trafford faithful. On his day, there were few midfielders of the same enviable quality; but when a bad day came around, it all came crashing down – and Fenerbahce are his current employers. The 32-year-old signed for the Turkish side in the summer of 2023.
The coolest man in Naples right now, Scott McTominay partnered Fred on that night in December. A Carrington graduate, many were upset by the nature of his departure (especially as Erik ten Hag didn't want to sell him) and that feeling has been boosted hundredfold given how well he is doing at Napoli.
The Scot, widely regarded as one of the best British players overseas in football right now, was voted Serie A's MVP in his maiden campaign and influence hasn't waned in their title-defending campaign.
Bruno Fernandes, United's talisman since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, was stationed behind the striker for his side's 3-2 win over the north Londoners and even scored a 44th-minute equaliser. Now handed captain responsibilities, the Portuguese is a leader of the highest sense – a playmaker-in-chief who is willing to leave it all out on the grass in pursuit of greatness.
Michael Carrick's Final Man Utd Team In 2021 – Where Are They Now?
Position
CM
CM
CAM
Forwards
Whether there is a way back into proceedings at Old Trafford for Marcus Rashford – who was far down on Amorim's pecking order and left on loan to Barcelona as a result – remains to be seen. The tricky winger spent the second half of 2024/25 with Aston Villa and moved to Spain in the summer to line up alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. What is next for the 28-year-old?
In a similar predicament to Rashford is Jadon Sancho, a player United spent years keeping tabs on before he eventually arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. Much was made of his talent, but he ultimately flattered to deceive and a series of loan stints followed; first at Dortmund and then Chelsea. At the time of writing, he's spending this season at Villa Park. There is no way back at Old Trafford, it seems.
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Leading the line was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who had returned for his second spell after there were concerns that he would join Manchester City instead. At the age of 40 but still keen to hit the 1,000-goal mark before hanging up his boots, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner – regarded as one of the greatest finishers in football history – is spending his swansong in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
Michael Carrick's Final Man Utd Team In 2021 – Where Are They Now?
Position
RW
ST
LW
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 14/01/2026