Manchester United finally have clarity until the end of the season as Michael Carrick has been named the interim manager after a late twist.
Darren Fletcher’s tenure at Man Utd lasted two games and ended without a win, while Michael Carrick will start his with two brutal games.
He’ll be greeted by Manchester City at Old Trafford before a trip to Arsenal awaits in his second game, but United couldn’t afford to dither any longer.
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Carrick confirmed
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The announcement comes as a twist, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was previously regarded as the most likely option after some advanced talks claims.
The club statement read: “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.”
United announced the make up of his coaching staff: “Carrick will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.”
Man Utd hire Michael Carrick as interim manager
The race to become United’s interim coach was a three-horse one, with Ruud van Nistelrooy the outsider, Carrick the underrated name, and Solskjaer the favourite.
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That belief only strengthened in recent days as Solskjaer was reported to be getting closer to winning the race, and any suggestions of Carrick being his No. 2 were ruled out.
However, Carrick must have made quite an impression in his own talks with the club, as a late push has seen him win it over Solskjaer.
Ineos could have had reservations going back to a manager who presided over the best days under the previous ownership regime.
At the same time, there could be doubts over what the Norwegian could achieve without Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick in his staff, as was the case during his last spell.
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In any case, Man Utd fans at least have clarity over who sees through this season, and for better or worse, Carrick needs to be backed.
Mutually beneficial opportunity
This is as good an opportunity for Carrick as it is enticing for United, because since leaving Middlesbrough, the former United midfielder has been out of the game.
His spell at Middlesbrough is looked at as a mixed bag, as he oversaw a good evolution in playing style and brought immediate improvement, but the team plateaued ultimately, which led to his sacking.
However, he played a great role in developing youngsters like Morgan Rogers, and United will hope he can replicate that instant improvement at Old Trafford as well.
A good six-month spell can relaunch his managerial career after that Boro spell, while United can potentially end up with a Champions League position in the ideal scenario.
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