Manchester United have [announced](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/official-statement-manchester-united-appoint-michael-carrick-as-head-coach?t=y&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=story&utm_campaign=club_news) the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Following his appointment, he said, “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“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.”
The former United captain replaces [Ruben Amorim](https://thesportstoday.com/2026/01/05/ruben-amorim-sacked-as-manchester-united-manager-after-bombshell-attack-on-board/) at Old Trafford, who was sacked on January 5.
He emerged as the leading candidate after holding face-to-face discussions with club executives, along with former teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick previously took charge of United as caretaker manager for three matches following Solskjaer’s sacking in the autumn of 2021, winning twice and drawing once.
He left the club after Ralf Rangnick was appointed as interim boss until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The 44-year-old was appointed at Championship side Middlesbrough in October 2022, guiding them from 21st when he took over to fourth by the end of the season.
Middlesbrough finished eighth in 2023/24, with Carrick awarded a three-year contract at the end of the season, before coming 10th in 2024/25, which led to his dismissal at the end of the campaign.
The Englishman played 464 games for the Red Devils, 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.
Carrick’s first game in charge will be a tough test at home against arch rivals Manchester City on Saturday.