Michael Carrick is expected to become Manchester United's new interim manager following Ruben Amorim's sacking, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's prediction a step closer to reality
Nathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter and Neil Docking
11:39, 12 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo were Manchester United team-mates
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Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo were Manchester United team-mates(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick is tipped to become the new interim manager of Manchester United, edging closer to fulfilling Cristiano Ronaldo's prediction.
The 44-year-old former midfielder has reportedly surpassed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the running for the role, following interviews with the club's top brass last week. Carrick served as an assistant coach at Old Trafford from July 2018 until December 2021. He briefly took the helm for three matches after Solskjaer's dismissal before stepping down, paving the way for Ralf Rangnick.
During his short stint in charge, Carrick led United to a 2-0 victory against Villarreal in the Champions League, a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League, and a 3-2 win over Arsenal at home. Ronaldo, who scored thrice during this period, lauded Carrick upon his departure.
Michael Carrick head coach of Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United greets each other during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at Estadio de la Ceramica on November 23, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick with Cristiano Ronaldo during his time as Manchester United caretaker manager(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
He said: "Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I'm proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench."
Now, it seems Carrick will have the opportunity to prove Ronaldo's words true, reports the Mirror. However, the 34-time England international will need to silence his critics to do so.
In November 2022, Carrick took over as Middlesbrough manager. Despite leading the team to an impressive play-off finish in his debut season, failure to secure promotion in the subsequent two seasons resulted in his dismissal from Boro last June.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick celebrates at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick celebrates beating Arsenal as Manchester United caretaker manager(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Carrick had two years remaining on his contract at Middlesbrough, but the club's 10th-place finish didn't meet the board's expectations. He was accompanied in the dugout by his brother, Graeme, and former Boro star Jonathan Woodgate.
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If United opt to give Carrick the reins on an interim basis, his first match would be no small affair - a Manchester derby, with the Red Devils hosting arch-rivals City on Saturday. The following weekend sees a trip to league leaders Arsenal.
United have been under the management of under-18s boss and Carrick's former team-mate, Darren Fletcher, for the past two matches following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Fletcher's tenure began with a 2-2 draw away to Burnley last Wednesday.
On Sunday, United were knocked out of the FA Cup, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at a gloomy Old Trafford. This means that Carrick's sole focus would be securing the best possible league finish, as emphasised by United in their statement when they sacked Amorim.