Carrick will manage the side for the remainder of the season before a permanent appointment is made in the summer
Bookmark popover
Michael Carrick has returned to Manchester United and will be their interim manager until the end of the season
Michael Carrick has returned to Manchester United and will be their interim manager until the end of the season (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season, with plans for a permanent head coach to take over in the summer.
He replaces another former United midfielder, Darren Fletcher, who took caretaker charge following head coach Ruben Amorim’s sacking last week.
Fletcher oversaw United’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday and will return to coaching the U18s having decided against joining Carrick’s backroom staff. Former United striker and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered.
Carrick spent 12 years playing for United before transitioning into a coaching role with the club. He acted as caretaker manager immediately after Mourinho’s sacking before Solskjaer took over the role, and returned as interim manager after the Norwegian was dismissed.
The former England international was appointed Middlesborough head coach in October 2022 but has been out of work since the Championship club sacked him last June.
Managers in the frame for the permanent role include Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, who is out of contract this summer, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
The club announced Carrick’s appointment on their website with a statement confirming that he remain in post until the end of the current season. It reads: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.
“Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
“He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick led the club with distinction during his role as caretaker manager.”
Carrick also addressed why he decided to come back to the club claiming that taking charge of United is ‘an honour’. He explained that he wants to bring success back to Old Trafford and has belief in the squad.
“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” said Carrick.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
Director of football, Jason Wilcox, added: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.
“He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”