Man Utd will be led by former midfielder Michael Carrick for the remainder of the season.
The 44-year-old was identified as the preferred candidate for the temporary position after Darren Fletcher ended his interim spell with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup at the weekend. The defeat means United will play just 40 matches this season, their fewest in a full campaign since 1914/15.
Carrick's sole focus will be on the Premier League and United targeted a top-six finish in the division last summer. They currently sit 7th in the league table, while Fletcher claimed the current squad was good enough to finish higher and secure Champions League qualification. A top-four finish is certain to be enough for a return to the top continental club competition, while fifth might also be enough due to the coefficient ranking.
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The 17 Manchester United matches Michael Carrick will be in charge of
Michael Carrick is set for a tough start to his spell as Manchester United caretaker head coach with matches against Man City and Arsenal in his first two matches.
United host local rivals Man City at Old Trafford on Saturday 17 January, before they then travel to face Arsenal on Sunday 25 January. They begin February with a home match against Fulham on Sunday 1 and another against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 7. United are back on the road when they travel to face West Ham on Tuesday 10 February. They will not be involved in the FA Cup fourth round the following weekend.
Carrick will be in charge when United make their first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton, before they finish the month at home to Crystal Palace. United will only play three matches in March, with clashes against Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, before the final international break of the season.
The final seven matches of his caretaker reign will see United face Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool and Sunderland. His final home match will be against Nottingham Forest on the penultimate weekend of the season, before a trip to face Brighton on the final day.
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