Man Utd are set to confirm an interim appointment this week, with Michael Carrick now the favourite for the role.
Carrick is the leading contender for the interim job.(Image: 2021 Manchester United FC)
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Four years after stepping down as Manchester United caretaker and declining the chance to coach alongside Ralf Rangnick, Michael Carrick is preparing for another crack at the job.
Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner for the interim position for the remainder of the season after impressing during his interview. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also been in contention for the role and United are expected to formally announce who will assume the position in the next 48 hours.
"It's Carrick, you know, it's hard to believe it's not Scholes," was aired at Turf Moor last week. United fans are disillusioned with Ineos' decision-making, and they are set to protest against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe before facing Fulham, but Carrick is guaranteed to receive strong support from matchgoers.
The former midfielder is hugely popular and only enhanced his reputation during his caretaker stint, in which he oversaw wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, and a draw against Chelsea. Rangnick was appointed as interim to oversee the second half of 2021/22, and Carrick declined the opportunity to continue as part of his coaching staff, partly out of loyalty to Solskjaer.
“It is 100% my decision,” Carrick said at the time. “I respect a new manager coming in. I made the decision before speaking to him. It wasn’t an easy one but [it is the] right decision for the club. The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor, but there were a lot of things that came into my decision.
“I was conscious of making my decision before any real conversations with Ralf. It was nothing personal at all. He’s got a good group of players to work with. I’m proud of the players over the past three games. I just told them and they were a bit shocked and surprised, a bit emotional in the changing room.”
Carrick was asked what he would do next. “I can honestly say I’ve given it no thought. Take the kids to school then we’ll see,” he said. “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.”
Carrick has unfinished business at United.(Image: 2021 Manchester United FC)
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In management, what Carrick did next was take the Middlesbrough job in his native north east. He guided Boro to the play-offs in 2022/23, but was sacked in June 2025 after eighth and tenth place finishes.
Carrick worked with limited resources at Middlesbrough, who have played just one season in the Premier League since their relegation in 2009, and it felt like his tenure had run its course.
There is a feeling that Carrick has unfinished business at Old Trafford. And he should give himself a pat on the back for declining to work with Rangnick in 2021, as he wouldn't have been considered for the job in 2026 if he'd been part of the German's disastrous coaching staff that season.
Carrick decided to walk away from a campaign that was about to unravel with Rangnick in charge. The irony is that he could walk into Carrington with this season threatening to unfold in the same manner.
The 41-year-old's first game if he lands the job will be against Manchester City, followed by a trip to Arsenal. It doesn't get much trickier than playing the Premier League's pacesetters.
United could slip into the bottom half of the table if results don't go their way. They have already exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and the campaign would become bleak if hopes of securing Champions League football are dashed before mid-February. Carrick will be desperate to make a quick impact.
Carrick dropped Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge.(Image: 2021 Getty Images)
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He is a winner and was popular among players during his coaching stint, which should help him. Bruno Fernandes was a close ally and will act as a sounding board if Carrick is formally announced.
The Newcastle-born boss has demonstrated his ability to make big decisions, which is another plus. Carrick had the courage to drop Cristiano Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge in December 2021 and intelligently disarmed the media when he played down the significance of the decision after that game.
"I didn't see it as being a major decision," he said. "It certainly wasn't within the camp or group. We all got on really well. The game went well to an extent and it wasn't a drama at all."
It's those kinds of decisions that a United manager must make with conviction to be successful. Carrick is not afraid to axe players from the team and he should be able to give the current crop a kick up the backside.
United looked like they needed a jolt against Brighton last weekend. Darren Fletcher described the group as "fragile", and a club source recently questioned the mentality of those in the dressing room.
Carrick was part of various United dressing rooms over the years with no concerns about mentality. He will need every bit of his coaching experience to secure a spot in the Champions League this season.