Michael Carrick returns to Manchester United as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
The race to become Manchester United’s interim head coach is over, with Michael Carrick getting the job ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher.
All four former United stars have previously taken charge of the team on an interim basis, with Solskjaer being the odd one out as the only candidate to have the job permanently between 2018-2021.
After leaving United in 2021, shortly after Solskjaer’s dismissal, Carrick became Middlesbrough manager as they transitioned from the Championship relegation zone to play-off hopefuls.
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Carrick confirmed
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The 44-year-old was sacked by Middlesbrough in July after two and a half years in the hot seat.
Now, the former United midfield ace returns to Old Trafford. Carrick’s job is to steady the ship until the end of the current campaign. It’s a big ask after the Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 against Brighton on Sunday.
Michael Carrick returns to Manchester United
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A familiar face returns to Old Trafford.
Carrick, who made 464 appearances for United, returns to succeed Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese coach was sacked a week ago.
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During his time as a player at United, Carrick won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and FIFA Club World.
That means the United first team players will now be led by a man who knows what it takes to be a success at the biggest club in the world, which begs questions about what would be seen as a successful end to the season.
In his first interview after returning to the club, Carrick stressed that it is an “honour” to be given the role.
Carrick added that his priority is to help the players reach the ‘standards’ that are expected at United, adding that there is plenty to fight for this season.
“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” Carrick told ManUtd.com.
“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.”
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Michael Carrick returns to Manchester United
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Carrick’s first game is the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Michael Carrick’s backroom staff at Man Utd
The majority of the coaches that Amorim brought to United have since left the club.
Carrick has decided to bring in some of his own men to join his backroom staff as United interim manager, including Jonny Evans, who became part of Fletcher’s staff for his two games in charge against Burnley and Brighton.
The other backroom staff members include Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, and Craig Mawson.
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