Michael Carrick is the new interim head coach of Manchester United until the end of the season and faces a tricky start to life in his new job at Old Trafford
New interim head coach Michael Carrick looks on
New interim head coach Michael Carrick faces a tough start to life back at Manchester United (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been appointed the club's interim head coach until the end of the season. The ex-Middlesbrough boss will be tasked with lifting spirits at a club which has badly lost its way.
United made the shock decision to sack Ruben Amorim just over a week ago, with Darren Fletcher put in caretaker charge. However, the Scotsman was unable to reverse the Reds' fortunes with a disappointing draw at relegation-threatened Burnley and an FA Cup exit at home to Brighton & Hove Albion during his brief tenure.
Carrick now faces a huge task to revive United's fortunes as the club face another disappointing campaign after missing out on Europe and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur last season. The new interim boss will, however, know that there is plenty to play for with a top four or five finish and a spot in next season's Champions League a possibility.
The Reds may sit seventh in the Premier League table, but they only sit three points off fourth, which would guarantee a place in Europe's elite competition and a much-needed financial boost. Carrick will, though, have to navigate a tricky couple of fixtures across his first few games with title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal to come.
Below are Carrick's first five fixtures, as well as the upcoming matches of United's rivals in and around them in the top four.
Carrick's first fixtures at United (32 points)
Arsenal (A) - Jan 25 (4.30pm) - Premier League
Fulham (H) - Feb 1 (2pm) - Premier League
Tottenham (H) - Feb 7 (12.30pm) - Premier League
West Ham (A) - Feb 10 (8.15pm) - Premier League
Arsenal’s next fixtures (49 points)
Chelsea (A) - 14 Jan 14 (8pm) - Carabao Cup semi-final
Nottingham Forest (A) - Jan 17 - Premier League
Inter Milan (A) - Jan 20 - Champions League
Man United (H) - Jan 25 - Premier League
Kairat (H) - Jan 28 - Champions League
Man City’s next fixtures (43 points)
Newcastle (A) - 13 Jan (8pm) - Carabao Cup semi-final
Man United (A) - Jan 17 (12.30pm) - Premier League
Bodo/Glimt (A) - Jan 28 (5.45pm) - Champions League
Wolves (H) - Jan 24 (3pm) - Premier League
Galatasaray (H) - Jan 28 - Champions League
Aston Villa’s next fixtures (43 points)
Everton (H) - Jan 18 (4.30pm) - Premier League
Fenerbahce (A) - Jan 22 (5.45pm) - Champions League
Newcastle (A) - Jan 25 (2pm) - Premier League
RB Salzburg (H) - Jan 29 (8pm) - Champions League
Brentford (H) - Feb 1 - Premier League
Liverpool’s next fixtures (35 points)
Burnley (H) - Jan 17 (3pm) - Premier League
Marseille (A) - Jan 21 (8pm) - Champions League
Bournemouth (A) - Jan 24 (5.30pm) - Premier League
Qarabag (H) - Jan 28 - Champions League
Newcastle (H) - Jan 31 - Premier League
Chelsea’s next fixtures (31 points)
Arsenal (H) - Jan 14 (8pm) - Carabao Cup semi-final
Brentford (H) - Jan 17 (3pm) - Premier League
Pafos FC (H) - Jan 21 (8pm) - Champions League
Crystal Palace (A) - Jan 25 (2pm) - Premier League
Napoli (A) - Jan 28 - Champions League