Michael Carrick has overtaken Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the race to become Manchester United's interim manager, having previously been an assistant coach at Old Trafford between 2018 and 2021
Defender of Manchester United Harry Maguire (L) and Head coach of Manchester United Michael Carrick before Champions League match between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at La Ceramica Stadium on November 23, 2021. (Photo by Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has worked with some of Manchester United's squad(Image: Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
A number of high-profile Manchester United players would welcome Michael Carrick back to the club if he became their new interim manager. Former United midfielder Carrick is in pole position to take charge of the Red Devils for the remainder of the season.
Carrick, 44, is expected to hold further talks with the club's hierarchy on Monday to flesh out his coaching staff and finalise the details of his short-term contract. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with United last week but hasn't progressed as far.
From July 2018 to December 2021, Carrick served as an assistant coach at United, firstly under Jose Mourinho and then Solskjaer. Although their squad has changed dramatically since then, ESPN report that Carrick is favoured by some senior players at Old Trafford.
It's added that his personality and coaching qualities impressed senior United's players. Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Tom Heaton are the only players left at the club who worked under Carrick.
No final decision has been made but United want to confirm their new interim boss in the early part of this week. On Saturday, the Red Devils host Manchester City in the local derby.
Darren Fletcher has taken charge of United's last two games; a 2-2 draw at Burnley and 2-1 loss against Brighton. The latter resulted in their exit from the FA Cup.
It means that United will only play 17 more games this season. Carrick's task would be to achieve a top-four finish and guarantee Champions League football next season.
Carrick also enjoyed working with United's players and notably praising captain Fernandes last year. "Yeah, I like Bruno. I worked with him, with Ole and he's fantastic," the five-time Premier League winner international told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Michael Carrick, Manchester United Assistant Coach speak prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on July 22, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick hailed Bruno Fernandes when speaking in July 2025(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"He's got a real... he's desperate to do well. He's so keen to do well, and that's a really positive thing. And then sometimes, you can overdo it sometimes as well, and it's such a fine balance. But his attitude, he plays every game, he never misses training, and he's there all the time.
"Puts himself out there, puts himself forward, and he's been the main man, really, the talisman for some time. And when there's moments or there's something that's needed, Bruno's been the one to step up. I really enjoyed working with him when I did. He asks questions, he's demanding, but he wants to do the right thing."
Content Image
Content Image