Manchester United are preparing to welcome Michael Carrick as interim head coach while in the middle of the January transfer window.
Everything is set up for Michael Carrick’s appointment as head coach for the remainder of the season, and his objective is clear – qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, but are just one point away from fifth place, which should be enough to secure a return to the Champions League in 2026/27.
How would you describe Michael Carrick’s playing career in three words?
What are your favourite memories of Carrick as a Man Utd player?
Carrick playing career graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Carrick’s first spell as caretaker in 2021 was impressive. He picked up two wins against Villarreal and Arsenal while in charge of the Red Devils.
If United are going to achieve a top-five finish this season, Michael Carrick will need to be backed, but that has not exactly happened for previous interim coaches.
Hull City v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Man United did not back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick
Carrick has beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the United job, despite the Norwegian having previously stepped in as an interim coach and impressed in 2018/19.
Interestingly, Solskjaer accepted the United job in December and he was refused any signings in January.
More United News
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first caretaker spell at Man Utd was UNREAL
Why do you think it went so well for Ole?
Solskjaer graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Solskjaer wanted to sign Erling Haaland but was rejected by the Glazers at the time. Looking back, there will be huge regret at not backing Solskjaer’s transfer targets.
The same can be said for Ralf Rangnick when he stepped in as interim head coach in 2022.
Rangnick gave United a transfer shortlist, but he was also denied any signings in January and the club hierarchy ended up ignoring his request to sign Luis Diaz and Julian Alvarez.
Reports suggest United will not make signings in January, but if Carrick needs reinforcements, Ineos should learn from past mistakes.
Michael Carrick’s perfect January signing for Man United
As things stand, United are only planning on keeping Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, when Ineos plan to make a long-term appointment.
But most United fans will agree that the squad needs strengthening, and it could well be the difference between qualifying for the Champions League or not.
United continue to be linked with Ruben Neves, and the Portuguese midfielder could well be Carrick’s first (and potentially only) signing as United boss.
READ MORE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s prediction about Michael Carrick has come back to haunt him
It is no secret that United need to strengthen their midfield options, and Neves is available for a bargain price this month.
Despite the managerial uncertainty, United are still keen on Neves, and it makes perfect sense to bring him in to strengthen the push for Champions League football.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox