Manchester United have made the decision to re-hire Michael Carrick as interim manager until the rest of the season.
Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester United is official, with the legendary midfielder stepping back into the Old Trafford dugout.
And in doing so, Michael Carrick does what only two Manchester United managers have ever done before, returning for a second spell in charge.
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
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Two caretaker spells
It is such a rare event that a manager returns to Manchester United that we are counting Michael Carrick’s two interim spells, making him the third ever manager at the club to do so twice.
Carrick managed United for three games in late 2021, and now takes over for 17 games at the end of the 2025/26 season. No other caretaker boss has had two stints. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pushing to do so, but the United hierarchy have opted for Carrick instead.
Two managers previously returned
Two managers have had two spells at Manchester United, but you have to go back several decades…
Walter Crickmer: 1931-1932, and 1937-1945
Walter Crickmer had two different spells as Manchester United in the 1930s, and unfortunately failed to win a trophy in either stint. He managed for 45 games in his first spell, in which he was credited with helping the team avoid relegation.
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Crickmer coached for 76 matches during his second spell, and guided the club through the Second World War period. He was replaced by a club legend. He worked for United for 32 years in total, reverting to a club secretary role after stepping down from coaching duties. He was tragically killed in the 1958 Munich disaster.
Sir Matt Busby 1991
Photo by Mark Leech/Getty Images
Sir Matt Busby: 1945-1969, and 1970-1971
Sir Matt Busby is regarded as the man who made Manchester United the powerhouse it is today, a figure who inspired the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
Busby forged his United success on the club’s academy, before disaster struck in Munich and eight first team players were killed. This made his subsequent success even more staggering, winning the European Cup 10 years later.
The Scotsman won 11 trophies during his first stint, taking charge for 1,120 games, with a win percentage of 52.4 per cent.
His second spell was less successful, he managed for a further 21 games to succeed Wilf McGuinness, who was sacked during his first season in charge replacing Busby.
Busby stepped in as an interim for the remainder of the season, winning 52 per cent of his games (again) while United worked to appoint Frank Farrell for the following campaign.
How many games will Michael Carrick win?
Also let us know how many you think he NEEDS to win to qualify for the Champions League… and to become full-time manager?
How many games will Michael Carrick win?
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