Michael Carrick is currently spending his first day as Manchester United’s interim head coach.
It was confirmed on Tuesday evening that Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox praised Carrick’s appointment and explained that United wanted someone familiar with the club to step in while the process continues for a long-term appointment.
Initially, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the leading candidate, but it has been revealed that he wanted to stay on as head coach longer if he was successful in his interim stint.
TalkingPoints TV: Should Michael Carrick get a serious shot at becoming permanent Man Utd manager?
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Featuring…
📋 Michael Carrick’s top priorities
📈 How many wins Carrick needs
🏆 Winners and losers
❌ Ole misses out
⚽ Carrick’s playing days
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Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick poses at the Carrington training complex in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s chances of becoming permanent Man United manager
Carrick is set to take charge of 17 games for Manchester United between now and the end of the season. With no Carabao Cup or FA Cup football, his full priority will be on the Premier League.
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?
Carrick wins graphic
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Wilcox expects United to qualify for the Champions League, meaning a top-five finish must be Carrick’s ultimate objective.
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But even if Carrick does achieve that goal, it seems unlikely he will be kept on at Old Trafford.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United have made it extremely clear that this is only a temporary gig.
Speaking on the Transfer Insiders podcast, Jacobs said: “I’m told that he’s well aware this is only a temporary role, so nothing that he can earn permanently, even if Manchester United get Champions League football.”
Ineos may be left with no choice over Michael Carrick
The message coming from Old Trafford is that Carrick is strictly here on a temporary basis, but that was also the message conveyed in Solskjaer’s first interim stint.
Ultimately, Solskjaer was so successful that he forced United’s hand into making him the permanent manager.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick’s biggest test is to fully end one ‘real frustration’ that Man Utd fans had with Ruben Amorim
If Carrick is able to revive United’s season and achieve Champions League qualification, the support from players and the fanbase for him to stick around would be overwhelming.
Combined with a complete lack of managerial options available in the summer, Carrick could yet earn himself a shot at the permanent job, regardless of United’s messaging.
Which Man Utd player do you believe will be the BIGGEST WINNER from Michael Carrick’s appointment?
If you like, let us know who will be biggest LOSER from the hire too….
Carrick style graphic
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👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
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